IWF Graz. Leading Austria into Space. Since 1971 The Space Research Institute (IWF) with about 100 employees from twenty nations, is one of the largest institutes of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW). The institute is located in the Victor Franz Hess Research Center of the OeAW in Graz and hosts eight research groups on the astrophysics of the solar system, exoplanets, and space instrumentation. The IWF also operates a world‑leading satellite laser ranging station at the Lustbühel Observatory.
Postdoc (f/m/x) in Satellite Laser Ranging Job ID: IWF053PD126
The candidate will join the SLR group and will investigate data analysis and automation techniques with special emphasis on the usage of Machine Learning (ML). The results are an input for orbit determination, prediction and characterization of satellites and space debris while improving station performance and precision.
Besides SLR measurements, the group performs space debris laser ranging (SDLR) and single photon light‑curve (LC) measurements, characterizing sunlight reflections of space objects. The IWF can thereby rely on historical data dating back more than 20 years. Special emphasis for the candidate will be the utilization of machine learning related to new observation technologies (e.g. MHz laser ranging), the combined usage of data from different observation sources (data fusion) and the modernization of the SLR station. The candidate will work in close cooperation with IWF’s machine‑learning experts.
Your Tasks
Analysis and post‑processing of SLR, SDLR and LC data as an input for orbit determination
Utilization and improvement of existing orbit determination tools for SLR and SDLR data
Utilization of ML for novel processing techniques, station improvement and orbit determination
Automation approaches for post‑processing, real‑time observations, observation tasking
Scientific publications in peer‑reviewed journals
Your Profile
The applicant must hold a PhD in Physics, Satellite Geodesy, Computer Science or closely related fields
Software development and programming expertise (Python and/or C++)
Experience in data analysis of large datasets, background in machine learning
Experience in scientific publishing
Our Offer The appointment is planned to start earliest July 1st, 2026. The post will be for 3 years initially but can be extended up to 6 years, subject to the availability of funding. We offer an annual gross salary of 70,167.44 EUR according to the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Included are social benefits and health insurance.
The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non‑discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
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Postdoc (f/m/x) in Satellite Laser Ranging Job ID: IWF053PD126
The candidate will join the SLR group and will investigate data analysis and automation techniques with special emphasis on the usage of Machine Learning (ML). The results are an input for orbit determination, prediction and characterization of satellites and space debris while improving station performance and precision.
Besides SLR measurements, the group performs space debris laser ranging (SDLR) and single photon light‑curve (LC) measurements, characterizing sunlight reflections of space objects. The IWF can thereby rely on historical data dating back more than 20 years. Special emphasis for the candidate will be the utilization of machine learning related to new observation technologies (e.g. MHz laser ranging), the combined usage of data from different observation sources (data fusion) and the modernization of the SLR station. The candidate will work in close cooperation with IWF’s machine‑learning experts.
Your Tasks
Analysis and post‑processing of SLR, SDLR and LC data as an input for orbit determination
Utilization and improvement of existing orbit determination tools for SLR and SDLR data
Utilization of ML for novel processing techniques, station improvement and orbit determination
Automation approaches for post‑processing, real‑time observations, observation tasking
Scientific publications in peer‑reviewed journals
Your Profile
The applicant must hold a PhD in Physics, Satellite Geodesy, Computer Science or closely related fields
Software development and programming expertise (Python and/or C++)
Experience in data analysis of large datasets, background in machine learning
Experience in scientific publishing
Our Offer The appointment is planned to start earliest July 1st, 2026. The post will be for 3 years initially but can be extended up to 6 years, subject to the availability of funding. We offer an annual gross salary of 70,167.44 EUR according to the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Included are social benefits and health insurance.
The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non‑discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
