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:
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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:
4. Master`s degree or equivalent and PhD degree in VLBI, radio astronomy, astrophysics, astrometry, geodesy, or a related field
5. Good understanding of estimation process and astrophysical/geophysical models
6. Strong background and publication record in the development and application of VLBI observation in astronomy, astrometry, or geodesy
7. Very good command of English language
8. Strong skills in scientific programming with Python, Fortran, and/or other languages
What we offer:
9. Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
10. State-of-the-art equipment
11. Public service benefits
12. Extensive training opportunities
13. Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
14. Flexible working hours and conditions
15. Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
16. Institute day-care centre on site
17. Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
18. 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 23th September 2024. Please use our online application form only.