Scientific Researcher (f/m/d)

Open minded
We are a young, innovative university located in the heart of the Ruhr metropolis. We pride ourselves in outstanding research and teaching, think in terms of opportunities rather than limitations and develop ideas with a view to the future. Diversity is an integral part of our culture as we promote potential and are committed to upholding genuine equity in education.
Location Campus Duisburg
Application area Faculty of Physics, Theoretical Physics
Scientific Researcher (f/m/d, Nr. 023-25)
salary group 13 TV-L
The newly established Emmy Noether Junior Research Group “Towards the Next Generation in Cosmic Ray Astrophysics” at the University of Duisburg-Essen is looking for a PhD student for novel investigations of the chemistry of star-forming molecular clouds.
Start of employment 2025-04-01 or as soon as possible
Duration of employment until 2028-09-30
Working time 25 h 53 min (65%)
Your main tasks
You will work to perform post-processing astrochemical modeling of state-of-the-art star formation simulations within the Starforge collaboration. You will produce three-dimensional time-dependent chemical models with gas- and ice-phase chemistry including the formation of complex organic molecules. The project will focus on the role of cosmic rays in the water cycle in molecular clouds and the emergence of complex organic and prebiotic chemistry. You will be expected to create a pipeline for post-processing large hydrodynamical simulations with a three-phase astrochemical network with a Big Data framework and utilize modern supercomputing facilities. You will also have to perform an analysis of the resulting large data sets and visualize the results of the model calculations using modern data analysis tools. During the project, you will acquire skills and knowledge in astrochemical modeling, big data analysis and processing, data visualization, and star formation simulations.
As part of the position, opportunities for further scientific qualification are offered.

Your profile

• Master's degree in Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry or a relevant field
• preferable previous experience in astrochemistry or hydrodynamic simulation experience
• preferable experience in either Fortran or Julia and experience in Python
• prior experience with astrochemical modeling is highly preferential

We offer you

• a varied, diverse range of tasks in a research-intensive environment with international exchange
• a pleasant working atmosphere in a dynamic team
• the opportunity to do a doctorate (PhD) at the Faculty of Physics
• family friendliness through childcare services and counselling for family care responsibilities
• a wide range of further training programmes
• excellent public transport connections and free parking spaces
• attractive sports and health programmes (university sports)
• the possibility of working from home

Application deadline 2025-02-19
Code number 023-25
Application
Your application should contain:

• a cover letter outlining your motivation for pursuing this position and how it aligns with your long-term career goals
• a short description of your previous research work (max 2 pages)
• a curriculum vitae (CV)
• at least two reference letters from individuals familiar with your work to be sent to the email address below
• a copy of your Master thesis (if available) and transcript of records

Please send your application quoting the reference number 023-25 to Dr. Brandt Gaches, brandt.gaches@chalmers.se.
Information about the job
You can find more information about the faculty and the research group at:
Learn more
University of Duisburg-Essen pursues the goal of promoting the diversity of its members.
(www.uni-due.de/diversity/en)
In accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act, women with the same qualifications are given referential considered.
Applications from suitable disabled persons and persons of equal status within the meaning of § 2 para. 3 SGB IX are desired.
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