With the German Center for Astrophysics (DZA), a new research center is being established in Lusatia with funds from the Coal Regions Structural Strengthening Act (StStG). The aim is to strengthen regions in Saxony affected by the lignite phase-out. In Lusatia, the DZA will create new opportunities for strategic leadership roles in German astrophysics as a globally visible symbol of innovation with science and research. In this way, we also want to have a lasting impact on the transformation of Lusatia.

The construction phase of the DZA is being jointly organized by the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY and the TUD Dresden University of Technology. In 2025, the start-up phase for the DZA will end and the DZA will be founded as an independent institution.

This is a unique opportunity to participate in the establishment of a major research center in Lusatia and to help shape its future structures and those of the region.

For TUD and DZA diversity is an essential feature and a quality criterion of an excellent university. Accordingly, we welcome all applicants who would like to commit themselves, their achievements and their productivity to the success of the whole institution.

The DZA offers, as part of the development, one position located in Görlitz as

Research Associate / PhD student Integration of CMOS detector technology into the Universal Bayesian Imaging Kit (UBIK) (subject to personal qualification, employees are remunerated according to salary group E 13 TV-L)

starting as soon as possible . The position is initially limited until December 31, 2025 with the option for extension/permanence at the DZA after its foundation. The period of employment is governed by the Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz - WissZeitVG). Following the institutional establishment, it is planned to transfer the employment contracts to the "Tarifvertrag Bund" of the public sector (TVöD Bund). Balancing family and career is an important issue. The position is generally suitable for candidates seeking part-time employment. Please indicate the request in your application.

Tasks:

Literature research and conceptual analysis:

• Review of current literature on information field theory, numerical information field theory, CMOS detector technology and UBIK (see https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.10381)

Modeling & Simulation:

• Development of fast, accurate and differentiable digital twins of CMOS detectors
• (Partial) automation of detector characterization for more efficient analysis

Algorithm development:

• Development of a correction method based on information field theory for atmospheric image distortions in astronomical observations using CMOS data

Validation & application:

• Demonstration and validation of the developed methods using real astronomical observational data

Communication & Cooperation:

• Active participation in local, national and international meetings, workshops and conferences
• Presentation of research results in scientific committees and specialist forums

Publication & networking:

• Publication of results in renowned specialist journals
• Maintaining and expanding collaboration with international experts in the field of information field theory, imaging techniques and CMOS technology

Requirements:

• completed scientific university degree (e. g. Master's or Diploma) in physics, mathematics, computer science or a related field
• knowledge of information field theory and in the development and application of complex algorithms
• very good programming skills in Python
• independent, structured way of working and ability to work in a team
• business fluent in English

We offer:

• the chance to contribute to the development of the largest research center for astrophysics in Germany
• the opportunity to play an active role in shaping structural change in Upper Lusatia
• the opportunity to establish the personnel requirements to support the discovery of groundbreaking research results and to contribute to the realization of research projects
• a dynamic, committed, international and interdisciplinary environment with renowned experts from science and industry
• remuneration according to TV-L, as well as conditions and social benefits of the public sector
• granting of a collectively agreed annual special payment
• compatibility of family and career
• the possibility of permanent employment after the start-up phase

TUD and DZA strive to employ more women in academia and research. We, therefore, expressly encourage women to apply. The University is a certified family-friendly university and offers a Dual Career Service. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment.

Please submit your detailed application with the usual documents by August 27, 2025 (stamped arrival date of the university central mail service or the time stamp on the email server of TUD applies) quoting the reference number w25-197 , preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de by sending it as a single pdf file to dza@tu-dresden.de or to: Deutsches Zentrum für Astrophysik (DZA), Alexander Welk, Postplatz 1, 02826 Görlitz , Germany. Please submit copies only, as your application will not be returned to you. Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed.

Reference to data protection: Your data protection rights, the purpose for which your data will be processed, as well as further information about data protection is available to you on the website: