Reference Number
10744 \n
The successful candidate will contribute to the Astrogeodesy project (1st May 2023 to 30th April 2028), funded by the EU\u2019s Horizon Europe programme. Astrogeodesy aims to improve the precision of geodetic products from the next-generation very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) system, named VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS) by (1) deriving structure images of the Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) directly from VGOS observations, (2) aligning the images over time and frequency through relative astrometric observations, and (3) calibrating VGOS observations by using the aligned images to model the quasars to be really point-like anchors on the sky. This project is dedicated to resolving the longstanding challenge in geodetic VLBI, which is the systematic error caused by source structure (i.e., angular distribution of the brightness of the AGNs). High motivation for working with simultaneous multi-frequency VLBI observations and achieving the full potential of VGOS observations is desired.\u00a0
Your responsibilities: \n
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1. Develop pipelines for imaging VGOS data and measuring core shift, investigate image alignment, and understand structure evolution over time for the AGNs in VGOS observations \n
2. Explore VGOS data for tropospheric turbulence on a short time scale, such as a few seconds to ten minutes, and ionospheric parameter estimation \n
3. Validate the results from VGOS with GNSS, numerical weather model, and water vapor radiometer \n
4. Collaborative work in a highly interdisciplinary and international team \n
5. Present your results at international conferences and project meetings \n
6. Publish your results in international scientific journals \n
Your qualifications: \n
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7. A Master`s degree or equivalent and a PhD degree in VLBI, radio astronomy, astrophysics, astrometry, geodesy, or a related field \n
8. Good understanding of the estimation process and astrophysical\/geophysical models \n
9. Strong background and publication record in the development and application of VLBI observation in astronomy, astrometry, or geodesy \n
10. Excellent command of the English language \n
11. Strong skills in scientific programming with Python, Fortran, and\/or other languages \n
What we offer: \n
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12. Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment \n
13. State-of-the-art equipment \n
14. Public service benefits \n
15. Extensive training opportunities \n
16. Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Center \n
17. Flexible working hours and conditions \n
18. Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work \n
19. Institute day-care centre on site \n
20. Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam\u00a0 \n
21. Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus\u00a0 \n Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 2 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to \u201cTV\u00f6D Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)\u201d. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h\/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam \n\n
Have we piqued your interest? \nIf so, we look forward to receiving your application by 15th\u00a0October 2025 .\n\nRequested documents: CV, letter of motivation, 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 relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Minghui Xu 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.","validThrough":"2025-10-15T23:59:59+02:00","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":"Potsdam","postalCode":"14473","addressCountry":"DE"}},"employmentType":["FULL_TIME","TEMPORARY"]}