PostDoc Researcher

PostDoc Researcher (f_m_x) Studying radio source structure in geodetic VLBI

Reference Number 9403

The successful candidate will contribute to the project "Astrogeodesy" funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme. Astrogeodesy aims to improve the precision of geodetic products from the next-generation Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) system, named VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS) by (1) deriving structure images of the Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) directly from VGOS observations, (2) aligning the images over time and frequency through relative astrometric observations, and (3) calibrating VGOS observations by using the aligned images to model the quasars to be really point-like anchors on the sky. This project is dedicated to resolve the longstanding challenge in geodetic VLBI, which is the systematic error caused by source structure (i.e., angular distribution of the brightness of the AGNs). High motivation of working with simultaneous multi-frequency VLBI observations and achieving the full potential of VGOS observations is desired.

Your responsibilities:

• Perform geodetic/astrometric VLBI data processing and analysis, develop pipelines for calibrating VLBI observations and imaging VGOS data, investigate image alignment over frequency and core shift at 3 – 14 GHz, and understand structure evolution over time for the AGNs in VGOS observations
• Explore VGOS data for tropospheric turbulence on short time scale, such as a few seconds to ten minutes, ionospheric parameter estimation, and validate the results from VGOS with GNSS, numerical weather models, and water vapor radiometers
• Collaborative work in a highly interdisciplinary and international team, present your results at international conferences and project meetings, and publish your results in international scientific journals

Your qualifications:

• Master`s degree or equivalent and PhD degree in VLBI, radio astronomy, astrophysics, astrometry, geodesy, or a related field
• Good understanding of estimation process and astrophysical/geophysical models
• Strong background and publication record in the development and application of VLBI observation in astronomy, astrometry, or geodesy
• Very good command of English language
• Strong skills in scientific programming with Python, Fortran, and/or other languages

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
  

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 36 months
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to "TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)". The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 23^th September 2024 . Please use our online application form only.
Apply
Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. Anyone who has been recognized as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our representative for the severely disabled at sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de.
Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.
In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Minghui Xu either via email at minghui.xu[at]gfz-potsdam.de or phone +49 331 6264-1968. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.