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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 the earliest possible date and is limited to 3 years in accordance with the German Act on Fixed-Term Employment Contracts in Academia (WissZeitVG):

Scientific Researcher (f/m/d) – Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) and Time-Domain Astrophysics

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

YOUR TASKS:

• Serve as the lead scientific coordinator for the transfer, modification, installation, and operation of the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) data processing pipeline and archive server at the DZA

• Provide scientific leadership for optical transient and time-domain projects, contributing to real-time alert processing and data analysis workflows as well as data release strategies

• Conduct independent research in time-domain astrophysics and optical transients (e.g., supernovae, TDEs, multi-messenger follow-up)

• Collaborate closely with technical and science teams to optimize pipeline performance, containerized workflows, and data infrastructure

• Establish and maintain connections and active collaborations with national and international research partners

• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, present at national and international conferences, support the acquisition of third-party funding and supervise students

REQUIREMENTS:

• Completed university degree (Master's, Diplom or equivalent) followed by a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics or a related field

• Proven track record of research in optical transients and time-domain astronomy

• Demonstrated experience working with large-scale astronomical data pipelines

• Scientific programming (e.g. Python, C/C++) and modern data infrastructures

• Proven capability to coordinate complex, multi-institutional projects and manage deliverables under tight timelines

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills fluent in written and spoken English, with a history of building strong community connections across global consortia

• Desirable: Familiarity with containerized workflows, pipeline testing, log analysis, and perfomance tuning for I/O-constrained systems

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 31 July 2026. Please upload your detailed application documents (cover letter, detailed CV, copies of certificates, references and possible starting date) there, quoting the job reference A01-26-27.