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Physicist (f/m/x) - Interferometric spectroscopy for wind lidar measurement
Job Description
Req ID:  4031
Place of work:  Oberpfaffenhofen
Starting date:  01.05.2026
Career level:  Graduates, 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 12,000 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 of Atmospheric Physics conducts research on the physics and chemistry of the global atmosphere, from the ground up to an altitude of 120 kilometers.

 

What to expect

The LIDAR Department develops ground-based, airborne, and space-based lidar systems and operates them for the active remote sensing of key atmospheric parameters. 
In the context of aviation, a novel lidar system for measuring wind speed has been developed in recent years. It will enable commercial aircraft to respond to disturbances in airflow (turbulence, gusts) through real-time control. This enhances the efficiency and safety of civil aviation. In the current EU project UP Wing, the corresponding sensor—the direct-detection Doppler wind lidar—is being further improved, expanded, and verified in field trials and flight tests. 

 


Your tasks

•    theoretical and simulation-based research on imaging interferometric spectroscopy using pulsed laser technology for near-field wind lidar measurements based on molecular backscatter
•    setup of laboratory experiments in interferometry using laser technology and various detection methods in different configurations
•    conducting experiments and measurements in the laboratory, as well as field and flight tests
•    analysis of measurements using advanced regression techniques, as well as descriptive and exploratory statistical methods

 


Your profile

•    completed scientific university degree (Master’s or Diploma) in the natural sciences, e.g., in the field of physics, or in engineering, e.g., in the field of physical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other degree programs relevant to the position
•    Ph.D. in the field of optical measurement methods, optronics, interferometry, or similar
•    strong knowledge of optics, particularly in interferometry, laser technology, and detection technologies
•    several years of experience in experimental research involving laboratory work
•    strong knowledge of scientific programming using Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, and LabVIEW
•    strong knowledge of optical design software (OpticsStudio or similar)
•    very strong English skills (C1)

 

The remuneration is based on qualifications and assigned duties, up to pay grade 13 of the TVöD.

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 4031) please contact:

 

Dr. Andreas Fix 
Tel.: +49 8153 28 2577