JOIN OUR TEAM
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 27 months in accordance with the German Act on Fixed-Term Employment Contracts in Academia (WissZeitVG) :
Research Scientist – Advanced Computing & Data Infrastructures (f/m/d)
(Depending on personal qualifications, up to pay grade E 13 according to the German federal pay scale – TVöD Bund)
The position is subject to final approval of external funding and will be filled contingent upon the confirmation of the consortium PUNCH4NFDI.
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 “Future Observations”, addresses the computational challenges posed by next-generation, data-intensive scientific observatories.
We invite applications for a Research Scientist to strengthen our activities in advanced computing and data infrastructures supporting large-scale realtime scientific research.
YOUR TASKS:
* Develop and optimize workflows for large-scale scientific computing
* Contribute to the design and operation of HPC and cloud-based infrastructures
* Implement scalable solutions for analyzing extremely large data streams in real time
* Support compute-intensive applications in distributed and parallel computing environments
* Collaborate closely with partners within PUNCH4NFDI, the broader NFDI framework, and international observatories such as the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)
* Work closely with astronomers, data scientists, and computing specialists
* Contribute to documentation, scientific publications, and community standards
* Publish research results in conferences, leading international journals and participate in collaborations
REQUIREMENTS:
* Completed Master’s and PhD in astronomy, physics, computer science, engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
* Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following areas:
o Machine learning
o High-performance computing (HPC)
o Big data archives and large-scale storage systems
o Advanced data management tools and architectures
o Real-time computing and distributed systems
* Strong programming skills (e.g. Python, C/C++, or comparable languages)
* Experience with distributed or parallel computing environments
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary, distributed teams
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Excellent communication skills in English
WE OFFER:
* The opportunity to help build the largest astrophysics research centre in Germany
* A challenging and diverse scientific position in an international research environment
* The opportunity to actively contribute to the scientific development of the DZA in Upper Lusatia
* 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
The DZA strives to increase the proportion of women in its workforce and therefore expressly encourages women to apply. Applications from people with severe disabilities are also particularly welcome. 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-26-03 .