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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 1 September 2026 and is limited to 3 years in accordance with the German Act on Fixed-Term Employment Contracts in Academia (WissZeitVG):

PhD in Gravitational Wave Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (f/m/d)

(Depending on personal qualifications, up to pay grade E 13 according to the German federal pay scale – TVöD Bund)

YOUR TASKS:

• Conduct independent research in gravitational-wave and multi-messenger astrophysics

• Develop and implement advanced data analysis methods, particularly using machine learning and AI techniques

• Contribute to the development of algorithms, simulation frameworks, and large-scale data processing pipelines

• Analyze gravitational-wave data from the LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA network and prepare for next-generation detectors such as the Einstein Telescope

• Perform studies on compact binary mergers, stochastic gravitational-wave backgrounds, and primordial black hole searches

• Publish research results in peer-reviewed international journals

• Present results at leading international conferences and workshops

• Contribute to the scientific activities of the DZA and collaborate with international research partners

• Support the supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s students

• Participate in scientific meetings, seminars, and collaborative research activities

REQUIREMENTS:

• Completed Master of Science (MSc) degree in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field by the start date

• Solid background in general relativity and/or gravitational-wave astrophysics

• Experience in scientific programming, e.g. Python or C++

• Interest in gravitational-wave data analysis, machine learning, Bayesian inference, or information theory

• Ability to conduct independent research in an international and interdisciplinary environment

• Experience working in international scientific collaborations is an advantage

• Strong interest in scientific writing and presenting research results

• Very good English communication skills (spoken and written)

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills

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 20 March 2026. Please upload your detailed application documents (cover letter, detailed CV, copies of certificates and possible starting date, a statement regarding previous and proposed research (2 pages max) and the names and email addresses of two reference letter writers) there, quoting the job reference A03-26-01.