The following positions are to be filled (4 Postdoctoral Researcher positions) starting 1 September 2026 and are limited to 3 years in accordance with the German Act on Fixed-Term Employment Contracts in Academia (WissZeitVG):
Postdoctoral Researcher in Gravitational-Wave and Multi-Messenger Astronomy (f/m/d)
(Depending on personal qualifications, up to pay grade E 13 according to the German federal pay scale – TVöD Bund)
YOUR TASKS:
- Conduct independent research in the field of gravitational-wave and multi-messenger astrophysics
- Work on topics such as r-process nucleosynthesis and kilonova modelling, massive black hole mergers and their electromagnetic counterparts in the LISA era, gravitational-wave data analysis, and AI-driven inference including primordial black hole science
- Depending on the topic:
- contribute to time-domain discovery and follow-up of compact object mergers using facilities such as ZTF, LSST, DSA-2000, and SKA
- develop and apply advanced computational and data analysis methods, including machine learning approaches
- participate in the analysis of data from current gravitational-wave detectors (LIGO, Virgo, KAGRA) and contribute to the preparation of future facilities such as the Einstein Telescope (ET) and LISA
- develop simulations, models, and data-processing pipelines in areas such as computational astrophysics, radiative-transfer simulations, accretion physics, survey astronomy, or gravitational-wave analysis
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed international journals
- Present research results at leading international conferences and workshops
REQUIREMENTS:
- PhD in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed international journals
- Demonstrated excellent research and analytical skills
- Research experience in gravitational-wave astronomy, multi-messenger astrophysics, or time-domain astronomy is highly desirable
- Experience in scientific programming, e.g. Python or C++
- Expertise in one or more of the following areas is particularly welcome:
- computational astrophysics
- radiative-transfer simulations
- accretion physics
- machine learning and AI methods
- survey astronomy
- gravitational-wave data analysis
- Experience working in international research collaborations and interdisciplinary environments is an advantage
- Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills
- Strong interest in science communication and collaborative research
- Very good English communication skills (spoken and written)
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team-oriented international research environment
WE OFFER:
- The opportunity to help build the largest astrophysics research centre in Germany
- A challenging and diverse scientific position in an international research environment
- The opportunity to actively contribute to the scientific development of the DZA in Upper Lusatia
- An interdisciplinary, collegial, and research-oriented team
- Remuneration according to the TVöD Bund (E 13), including annual bonus and other public service benefits
- Flexible working hours, family-friendly conditions, and options for part-time employment
The DZA strives to increase the proportion of women in its workforce and therefore expressly encourages women to apply. Applications from people with severe disabilities are also particularly welcome. If equally qualified, these applicants or those who are legally equivalent to them under SGB IX will be given preference in hiring.
Please apply via our online application portal by 8 May 2026. Please upload your detailed application documents (cover letter, detailed CV, copies of certificate, a statement regarding proposed research (3 pages max), a statement about previous research (2 pages max), the names and contact details (email) of three reference letter writers and possible starting date) there, quoting the job reference A03-26-02.
Please find here full details.