PhD position (f_m_x) - Numerical modelling of electron flux decreases during geomagnetic storms

The GFZ Helmholtz 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.

For section 2.7 Space Physics and Space Weather (department 2: Geophysics), we are looking for a:

PhD position (f_m_x) - Numerical modelling of electron flux decreases during geomagnetic storms

Reference Number 9994

The successful candidate will be working on the RADIANCE project which is a collaboration with the University Braunschweig and IAP funded through the DFG framework.

Section 2.7 Space Physics and Space Weather 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 satellite observation, machine learning, as well as physics-based models and data assimilation. Our research will help with the design and operation of safe satellites and maintenance of ground networks. Our research tries to bridge 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:

• Perform data processing and analysis
• Perform numerical simulations to investigate the effect of various loss mechanisms on the radiation belt electrons in the Earth’s inner magnetosphere
• Maintain data and code repositories
• Develop scientific visualizations of the results
• Document and test existing codes
• Adopt scientific codes for different scientific problems
• Conduct scientific research in the field of space physics
• Attend scientific meetings, including international conferences, and present the results
• Write manuscripts that will be published in peer-reviewed journals
• Collaborate with University Braunschweig and IAP with the framework of the DFG funded RADIANCE project

Your qualifications:

• MSc in space physics, physics, computer sciences, geophysics, mathematics, or related natural sciences
• Experience in processing and analyzing satellite data
• Ability to work with large data sets
• Work experience with IT programming or scientific programming
• Advanced knowledge of the programming languages, such as Python, Matlab, IDL, Fortran, C++
• Knowledge of Unix system
• Experience in developing numerical codes
• Ability to work within a team
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 3 Jahre
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 your CV, a letter of motivation and your certificates by 16th February 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 recognised 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 Body for Employees with Disabilities at sbv[at]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.

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 via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.