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Physicist, chemist, mathematician or computer scientist (f/m/x)
Job Description
Req ID:  2252
Place of work:  Köln
Starting date:  01.09.2025
Career level:  Experienced professionals
Type of employment:  Part time, Full-time
Duration of contract:  2 Jahre

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

DLR's Institute of Frontier Materials in Space investigates fundamental physical processes in materials, from the microscopic scale to macroscopic properties, both in model systems for new materials and in applied materials, on Earth and in space. To this end, we combine the development of space flight hardware, experiments on research rockets, parabolic flights and in the drop tower, as well as modelling with theory and simulation on all scales in order to understand the influence of gravity on physical processes.

What to expect

The position within the DLR Quantum Initiative deals with the atomistic description of corrosion processes in and on aluminium alloys. Together with partners from industry and science, new methods for the calculation of quantum chemical processes are to be developed and optimised. In particular, the work at DLR also offers the utilisation of currently available quantum computers. Both quantum chemistry and machine learning algorithms are to be used here.

Your tasks

  • Use of conventional and quantum computer-based quantum chemical simulations
  • Calculations on water- and hydrogen-related damage mechanisms of aluminium alloys
  • Realisation of atomistic material simulations on current quantum hardware
  • Analysing the results and publishing them in conference papers and scientific articles
  • Supervision of internships, bachelor's and master's theses

Your profile

  • Completed scientific university degree (Master / Diploma Uni) in natural sciences (e.g. physics or mathematics) or engineering (e.g. in the field of materials science) or other degree programmes relevant to the position.
  • A doctorate in one of the above-mentioned fields or in a similar field.
  • Initial experience in at least one of the following research areas: atomistic material simulation, multiscale simulation, electron structure theory, solid state theory, quantum information theory, development of quantum algorithms, use of quantum computing to solve materials science optimisation problems
  • ability to work in an international team of scientists, technicians, students and international co-operation partners
  • Very good written and spoken English skills

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 2252) please contact:

Matthias Sperl 
Tel.: +49 2203 601 3434 
Apply now