PhD candidate

The Helmholtz Center Potsdam - GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences is the national center for research into the geosphere. With around 1,500 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" we are looking for a:

PhD candidate (f_m_x) - Machine Learning for space weather applications in ionosphere and magnetosphere

Reference Number 9255

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 machine learning, as well as physics-based models, and data assimilation. Our research will help safely design and operate satellites and maintain ground networks. 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 data analysis and machine learning. Job responsibilities will include a variety of tasks related to scientific programming, including but not limited to:

• Perform data processing and analysis
• Develop and maintain machine learning models of the particle dynamics in the near-Earth space
• Deploy the developed models for real-time operations
• Maintain data and code repositories
• Develop scientific visualizations of the results
• 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

Your qualifications:

• MSc in physics, computer sciences, mathematics or related natural sciences
• Experience in processing and analyzing large data sets
• Work experience with IT programming or scientific programming
• Advanced knowledge of the Python programming language
• Knowledge of Unix, Mac, and Windows operating systems
• Experience in maintaining Unix workstations
• Knowledge of space physics is a plus
• Ability to work within a team
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent English skills

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 Center
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by
• Institute day-care center 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

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 3 years
Salary: The position is classified as salary group 13 according to "TVöD Bund (tariff area East)". The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Part-time 75% (currently 29.25 h/week)
Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 5th May 2024 . Please use our online application form only.

Apply

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-, 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-

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 either Dr. Dedong Wang via email at or Prof. Dr. Yuri Shprits via email yuri.- If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number

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