GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For section 1.5 "Space Physics and Space Weather" (department 1: Geodesy) we are looking for a:

PhD position (f_m_x) - Numerical modeling of radiation belts and scientific programming in Space Physics

Reference Number 10149

Our section is working on understanding the dynamical evolution of the hazardous space radiation environment and developing tools for specification and prediction of the adverse effects of the space environment utilizing physics-based numerical models and data assimilation. In our research, we try to bridge our theoretical studies with high-performance tools that can be used in science, predictions, and applications.

Your responsibilities:

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

Develop scientific codes
Maintain data and code repositories
Develop visualisations
Develop various programming tools for scientific codes and data analysis
Document and test existing codes
Adopt scientific codes for different scientific problems
Conduct scientific research in the field of space physics
Write manuscripts that will be published in peer-reviewed journals

Your qualifications:

Master's degree in physics, computer sciences, mathematics, or related natural sciences
Work experience with IT programming or scientific programming and Unix operating systems
Advanced knowledge of Matlab and/or Python and C++
Experience in developing numerical codes
Knowledge of code architecture and design patterns
Knowledge of space physics is preferred, but candidates with exceptional computing skills and no background in space physics will also be considered
Ability to work with large data sets, and experience with machine learning is a plus
Ability to work within a team, excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Attention to detail and organisational skills
Excellent English skills

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 3 years
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Teilzeit 75% (derzeit 29,25 h/Woche)
Place of work: Potsdam

What we offer

Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
State-of-the-art equipment
Public service benefits
Extensive training opportunities
Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career Centre
Flexible working hours and conditions
Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
Institute day-care centre on site
Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application including a motivation letter, your CV, and certificates (grades) by 2nd March 2025. Please use our online application form only.

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. Anyone who has been recognized as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our representative for the severely disabled at [sbv[at]gfz.de](mailto:sbv@gfz.de), who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at [gba[at]gfz.de](mailto:gba@gfz.de).

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Elodie Kendall. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

PhD position (f_m_x) - Numerical modeling and scientific programming in Space Physics