PhD student - Potsdam, Deutschland - Helmholtz Centre Potsdam

Beschreibung

Reference Number

9260

In this project funded by the European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant, combining state-of-the-art measurements from multiple satellites, comprehensive models will be developed. We will improve our Full Diffusion Code by using the wave models developed in this project and calculate diffusion coefficients using more realistic background magnetic field and plasma density models for the first time. With the help of our sophisticated physics-based radiation belt dynamic model, fundamental acceleration and loss of relativistic electrons caused by different waves in the Earth's radiation belts will be quantified. We will systematically validate simulation results against satellite measurements to understand the competition between acceleration and loss caused by various types of plasma waves.

All these improvements will be critically important for answering the overarching scientific question: Why do the Earth's radiation belts respond differently to geomagnetic storms which have approximately the same intensity? This project will open new horizons for understanding, predicting, and specifying the hazardous space environment.

Your responsibilities:

The successful candidate should have extensive experience in data analysis and preferably also with machine learning and scientific programming.

Job responsibilities will include a variety of tasks related to satellite data processing and scientific programming, including but not limited to:

Perform data processing and analysis

Develop empirical and machine learning-based models for hiss waves and exohiss waves 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

Your qualifications:

MSc in 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

Knowledge of Unix system

Experience in developing numerical codes

Experience with machine learning is a plus

Ability to work within a team

Attention to detail and organizational skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication 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-Centre

Flexible working hours and conditions

Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by

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

Start date: 1st June 2024
Fixed-term: 3 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to "TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)". 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 29th April 2024 . Please use our online application form only.