The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

Our section is working on understanding the dynamical evolution of the hazardous space radiation environment and developing tools for the prediction of the adverse effects of the space environment utilizing satellite observations, physics-based numerical models, machine learning, and data assimilation. Our research will help safely design and operate satellites and maintain ground networks. We try to bridge our theoretical studies with high-performance tools that can be used in science, predictions, and applications. 

The project “Waves in the Inner-magnetosphere and their Effects on Radiation belt Electrons” (WIRE) is funded by European Research Council Consolidator Grant and will run from 2024 to 2029. This project combines satellite observations and numerical simulations to study the effect of various plasma waves on the dynamic evolution of radiation belt electrons.

Your responsibilities:

The successful candidate should have extensive experience in satellite data processing and numerical simulations. Job responsibilities will include a variety of tasks related to numerical simulations and scientific programming, including but not limited to:

• Develop scientific codes to process satellite data
• Maintain data and code repositories
• Investigate the effect of EMIC waves on the effect of radiation belt electrons using existed codes and improve the codes
• Document and test existing codes
• Conduct scientific research in the field of space physics
• Write manuscripts that will be published in peer-reviewed journals
• Present related studies at international and national conferences
• Write proposals for future projects

Your qualifications:

• Master`s degree (or equivalent) and PhD degree in space physics or related natural sciences
• Work experience with IT programming or scientific programming and Unix operating systems
• Advanced knowledge of Matlab and/or Python or IDL
• Basic knowledge of Fortran and C++
• Experience in analyzing satellite data
• Ability to work with large data sets
• Ability to work within a team, excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Attention to detail and organizational skills