Research assistant

The Institute for Solar Physics (KIS, Freiburg, Germany) invites applications for a two-year 

postdoctoral position (m/w/d) 

on the development of fast spectro-polarimetric (Stokes) inversion techniques. 

The goal of the project is to optimize existing Stokes inversion codes using graphical processing units (GPUs) and machine-learning (ML) algorithms, substantially increasing the speed at which spectropolarimetric data can be analyzed and enabling near-real-time processing and interpretation.  The project is based on preliminary work at KIS that shows the feasibility of this approach. The final goal is to extend the resulting code to a range of instruments, prioritizing those at GREGOR and the VTF at DKIST.

Qualifications: Applicants should hold a PhD in physics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, or a related field. Experience with radiative transfer and/or Stokes inversion techniques is highly desirable, and prior work with spectropolarimetric observations is an advantage. Familiarity with GPU programming (e.g., CUDA) and machine-learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) is also considered a plus.

The offer: The contract is for a period of 2 years. Salary and benefits are according to the rules for public employees of the State of Baden-Württemberg (TV-L) and German law, at the TV-L E-13 level. On top of the regular social security plans, it includes contributions to a supplementary pension plan, statutory health insurance, and a Christmas bonus.

The position could start as early as Jan.  1st, 2027.

Deadline for applications: October 31st, 2026.

Applications, quoting reference “PostDoc ErUM-Pro”, should be sent as a single PDF to hr@leibniz-kis.de.

For questions, please contact: Juan Manuel Borrero or Ivan Milic (borrero@leibniz-kis.de; milic@leibniz-kis.de)

KIS is a foundation under public law of the State of Baden-Württemberg. Its mission is to conduct fundamental astrophysical research with a focus on solar physics. Current research foci are (1) Solar Magnetism, (2) Solar-Stellar connections, and (3) Instruments, techniques, and data. KIS participates in several EU cooperation projects and contributes advanced instrumentation to the DKIST 4-m solar telescope on Maui, USA.

You can expect a challenging and future-oriented field of activity with opportunities for creativity at an innovative and successful research institute, a wide range of development and training opportunities, and an open and constructive working atmosphere, together with the social benefits customary in the public sector. KIS strives to promote the compatibility of work and family life through flexible, family-friendly working hours, contributions to childcare costs, and discounts on public-transport fares.

An equal-opportunity environment is important to us, and we welcome applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in astronomy; we will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women. Applicants with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the case of equal qualifications. Full-time positions may generally be split into two or more part-time positions where there is no formal or legal barrier to doing so. Candidates will be selected in accordance with the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, German General Equal Treatment Act).

The application should include a motivation letter, CV, list of publications, and the names and contact details of 3 references. Please state the earliest possible starting date.

Our job advertisements are always directed at all people capable of working, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation, disability, religion and ideology, etc. Applicants are exclusively selected based on their qualifications. Errors in the given information and spelling reserved.