Reference Number
10837 \n
- The position is subject to funding approval -\u00a0
GFZ is part of the US\u2013German GRACE Follow-On Science Data System. We run the Ny-\u00c5lesund ground station to ingest Level-0 raw satellite data and generate the Level-1B correction model for short-term atmospheric and oceanic mass variations. Like our US partners Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Center for Space Research (CSR), we compute monthly Level-2 gravity fields (spherical-harmonic coefficients) and deliver fully corrected, gridded Level-3 mass-transport products to national and international users. At present, JPL exclusively produces the fully corrected Level-1B instrument data (e.g., GPS time tagging, atmospheric\/instrument corrections, outlier handling, down-sampling from Level-1A) used as inputs to Level-2.\u00a0 \n
To build a full backup for GRACE-FO, GFZ is developing its own Level-1A\/Level-1B processing software and is looking for two versatile and motivated research scientists with strong programming skills and a solid background in physical geodesy and satellite instrumentation. As part of the GFZ GRACE-FO SDS team, you will design, implement, and validate L1A\/L1B processing chains and collaborate across a multidisciplinary team.\u00a0 \n
Join us in this mission. We are looking for people with substantial experience, proven independence, and a track record in scientific programming and satellite-geodesy data processing, ideally at the postdoctoral level or with equivalent professional experience. \n
Either a postdoctoral scientist or a research scientist can fill the position. Please see the specified qualifications below. \n
Your responsibilities: \n
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1. Perform precise orbit determination using GFZ\u00b4s inhouse developed EPOS (Earth Parameter and Orbit System) software to derive correct time tagging\u00a0 products (CLK1B) meeting GRACE-FO project requirements \n
2. Develop software to derive Level-1B products for the main GRACE-FO instruments (GPS, K-band ranging (KBR)\/Laser ranging interferometer (LRI), star\u00a0 cameras, and accelerometer ) from existing Level-1A data using modern programming standards, based on existing Level-1 documentation provided by the\u00a0 GRACE-FO project \n
3. Implement and document numerical algorithms for calibration, synchronisation, and data transformation in a modular, traceable workflow \n
4. Validate Level-1B outputs, including spectral and statistical quality assessments and comparison against Level-1B products generated by JPL \n
5. Integrate and verify results using GRACE-FO Level-2 analyses in collaboration with other SDS team members \n
6. Maintain clear documentation, version control, and reproducible build environments using HPC module systems (Lua-based Lmod). \n
7. Support progress reporting and software delivery within the project framework \n
Your qualifications: \n
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8. Master`s degree (or equivalent) in Geodesy, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline \n
9. PhD or equivalent professional experience, demonstrating the ability to work independently on complex scientific software, would be appreciated, but is not mandatory \n
10. Proven programming experience in at least one compiled language (e.g., C++) and Python, with the ability to read and extend existing Fortran codebases \n
11. Familiarity with numerical methods, data handling, and instrument modelling (ideally related to GPS, KBR\/LRI, star camera, and accelerometer data) \n
12. Understanding of coordinate systems and transformations (ITRF, ECI\/GCRS, RTN) and of how satellite instrument data quality propagates to resulting science products \n
13. Experience with Linux and HPC environments and module-based workflows; knowledge of Lua module files is desirable \n
14. Good command of English (written and spoken) and at least a basic understanding of German to follow internal discussions and documentation \n
15. Strong sense of responsibility, initiative, and ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team \n
16. Strong ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team \n \n
What we offer: \n
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17. Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment \n
18. State-of-the-art equipment \n
19. Public service benefits \n
20. Extensive training opportunities \n
21. Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre \n
22. Flexible working hours and conditions \n
23. Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work \n Start date: 1st January 2026
Fixed-term: The project duration is fixed to three years and may be extended depending on available budget.
Salary: \u00a0The salary group is determined based on the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications and may be classed up to salary group 13 according to \u201cTV\u00f6D Bund (Tarifgebiet West)\u201d.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h\/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: GFZ outer branch Oberpfaffenhofen (near Munich) \n\n
Have we piqued your interest? \nIf so, we look forward to receiving your application by 16th November 2025. \n\nRequired documents: CV and letter of motivation\n\nDesirable documents: certificates\/grades and references\n\nPlease use our online application form only.\n \n\n
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. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. 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. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer. \n
\u201cDiversity in perspectives\u201d is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We among others do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply. \n\n
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. \n\nIn case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr Frank Flechtner via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please get in touch with our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.","validThrough":"2025-11-16T23:59:59+01:00","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum f\u00fcr Geoforschung","sameAs":"http:\/\/www.gfz.de","logo":"https:\/\/gfz.concludis.de\/download\/design\/MTU2OTQyMA==\/GFZ_concludis.jpg"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"We\u00dfling-Oberpfaffenhofen","postalCode":"82234","addressCountry":"DE"}},"employmentType":["FULL_TIME","TEMPORARY"]}