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PhD Thesis (f/m/x) - Detection and prediction of ionospheric perturbations
Job Description
Req ID:  1854
Place of work:  Neustrelitz
Starting date:  01.10.2025
Career level:  Doctorate
Type of employment:  Part time
Duration of contract:  3 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!

The Institute for Solar-Terrestrial Physics focusses on the properties and interactions of the coupled ionosphere-thermosphere-magnetosphere (ITM) system and how it is driven by energy inputs from the sun and the underlying atmosphere. Within this field of research, the Institute for Solar-Terrestrial Physics at the Neustrelitz site in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania focusses on research into space weather. The term space weather refers to the time-varying conditions on the sun and in the solar wind and their effect on the ITM system.

What to expect
The “Space Weather Observations” department investigates ionospheric measurement and inversion techniques using ground-based and space-based sensors. The observation data is used to reconstruct the 3D electron density distribution of the geoplasma in its temporal dynamics using data fusion, various reconstruction methods, and assimilation techniques. The “Space Weather Observations” department is involved in the development of compact instruments for detecting solar flares and monitoring solar radio bursts and operates a number of these receivers worldwide. The department also operates low-cost GNSS receivers for estimating and modeling the ionosphere.

 

Your tasks

  • Detection and characterization of ionospheric perturbations with a focus on ionospheric storms and development of (Artificial Intelligence) AI-based methods for predicting the extent of ionospheric disturbances
  • Analysis of the formation and dynamics of perturbations, characterized by perturbation indices such as GIX (Gradient Ionosphere Index)
  • Empirical derivation and testing/validation of prediction algorithms based on storm onset observations at high latitudes
  • Investigation of the physical relationships between solar wind parameters and ionospheric parameters that characterize the formation and propagation of ionospheric storms, such as indices
  • Implementation of the most suitable algorithms in the IMPC space weather service of the DLR

 

Your profile

  • completed scientific university degree (Master's degree / university diploma) in natural sciences (e.g. geodesy) or engineering (e.g. computer science, geoinformatics) or other degree programmes relevant to the job
  • Knowledge of ionospheric physics and radio technology
  • Very good knowledge of relevant programming languages (e.g. Python, C++) and common operating systems (e.g. Windows, LINUX)
  • Excellent written and spoken German and English
  • Ability to work in a team as well as independently, creatively, and in a goal-oriented manner

 

Remuneration is up to the German TVöD 13 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks.

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 1854) please contact:

Mohammed Mainul Hoque 
Tel.: +49 3981 480 125