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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 – 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)

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 “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.

YOUR TASKS:

• Analyze large-scale storage and usage metadata to identify trends and forecast future demand

• Develop algorithms and models for adaptive, just-in-time storage provisioning

• Design strategies to optimize resource allocation across distributed storage systems

• Contribute to the architecture and evolution of scalable storage infrastructures within NFDI

• Integrate advanced data management tools into production environments

• Collaborate closely with national partners within PUNCH4NFDI and the broader NFDI ecosystem

• Publish results and present findings in scientific and technical forums and journals

• Participate in workshops, meetings, 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 High-performance computing (HPC)

o Big data archives and distributed data systems

o Advanced data management tools and infrastructures

o Machine learning and predictive analytics

• Strong programming skills (e.g. Python, C/C++, or comparable languages)

• Experience with distributed or parallel computing environments

• Familiarity with monitoring systems, metadata analysis, or resource scheduling concepts is advantageous

• 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-26-01.