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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):

Research Scientist – Exabyte-Scale Data Analysis & Memory-Based Computing (f/m/d)

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

YOUR TASKS:

• Develop scalable algorithms for mining and analyzing exabyte-scale scientific archives

• Design and implement high-performance workflows optimized for memory-based computing architectures

• Enable in-memory processing of multi-terabyte datasets for advanced scientific analysis

• Contribute to large-scale data reduction, calibration, and post-processing strategies

• Optimize code for HPC environments, and parallel computing systems

• Collaborate closely with astronomers, data scientists, and computing specialists

• Publish results in leading scientific journals, and contribute to international collaborations

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

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 Data science or large-scale data analytics

o (Radio) astronomy or astrophysical data processing

o Machine learning and statistical modeling

o Offline computing of massive data archives

o Parallel or high-performance computing

• Strong experience in advanced programming languages such as C/C++ and/or Julia, with solid HPC proficiency

• Experience designing and optimizing algorithms for large-memory or distributed computing systems

• Proven ability to work with complex, high-volume datasets

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

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written)

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

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

• An extension to a permanent position is possible, subject to the fulfillment of the relevant personal requirements

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 D03-26-05.