With the German Centre for Astrophysics (DZA), a new research institution is being established in the Lusatia region. The aim is to strategically strengthen German astrophysics, promote scientific excellence, and actively contribute to the structural transformation of the region. As a scientific institution with a model character for innovation, the DZA will create new opportunities for strategic leadership in German astrophysics and will have a lasting impact on the transformation of Lusatia.
The following position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and is limited to 3 years in accordance with the German Act on Fixed-Term Employment Contracts in Academia (WissZeitVG):
Research Scientist – Intelligent Storage & Data Infrastructure (PUNCH4NFDI / NFDI) (f/m/d)
(Depending on personal qualifications, up to pay grade E 13 according to the German federal pay scale – TVöD Bund)
Shaping the Future of the National Research Data Infrastructure
The DZA is a co-applicant in the consortium PUNCH4NFDI, contributing to the development of the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI). Within this nationally coordinated initiative, we are actively involved in the work package “Storage Infrastructures”, addressing key challenges in sustainable, scalable, and intelligent data management for data-intensive science.
We invite applications for a Research Scientist to advance innovative methods for analyzing usage patterns in large-scale scientific data collections and to design strategies for just-in-time storage provisioning. The overarching goal is to optimize resource allocation, improve system responsiveness, and reduce user wait times across federated research infrastructures.
Develop algorithms and models for adaptive, just-in-time storage provisioning
Integrate advanced data management tools into production environments
Publish results and present findings in scientific and technical forums and journals
Participate in workshops, meetings, and collaborative research activities
Completed Master’s and PhD in astronomy, physics, computer science, engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
o Big data archives and distributed data systems
o Advanced data management tools and infrastructures
Python, C/C++, or comparable languages)
Excellent communication skills in English
The opportunity to help build the largest astrophysics research centre in Germany
A challenging and diverse scientific position in an international research environment
An interdisciplinary, collegial, and research-oriented team
Remuneration according to the TVöD Bund (E 13), including annual bonus and other public service benefits
Flexible working hours, family-friendly conditions, and options for part-time employment
If equally qualified, these applicants or those who are legally equivalent to them under SGB IX will be given preference in hiring.
Please apply via our online application portal by 28.06.2026. Please upload your detailed application documents (cover letter, detailed CV, a statement of research interests, contact information for references copies of certificates and possible starting date) there, quoting the job reference D03D-26-01 .