Scientific Officer (f/m/x)

Deutsches Zentrum für Astrophysik

JOIN OUR TEAM

With the German Centre for Astrophysics (DZA), a new research institution is being established in the Lusatia region. The aim is to strategically strengthen German astrophysics, promote scientific excellence, and actively contribute to the structural transformation of the region. As a scientific institution with a model character for innovation, the DZA will create new opportunities for strategic leadership in German astrophysics and will have a lasting impact on the transformation of Lusatia.

As part of the establishment of the DZA, the following position is to be filled at the earliest possible date:

Scientific Officer (f/m/x) (depending on personal qualifications, up to pay grade E 13 according to the German federal pay scale – TVöD Bund)

The position is initially limited to be filled for an initial period of two years (fixed-term employment in accordance with § 14 [2] of the German Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Act – TzBfG).

Job Profile:

As a Scientific Officer (m/f/x), you will play a key role in the coordination, management, and supervision of scientific projects at the German Centre for Astrophysics. Working at the interface between research, administration, and funding, you will contribute to advancing the DZA’s national and international research activities &nash; particularly in the fields of gravitational-wave astronomy and silicon technologies – both strategically and operationally.

Your tasks:

• Coordination and content-related support of scientific working groups
• Project management, including time, resource, and task planning
• Administration, controlling, and reporting of third-party funding, including preparation of interim and final reports
• Writing and managing research proposals for national and international funding bodies (e.g. DFG, BMBF, and EU)
• Supporting project leadership in the administrative and scientific management of ongoing projects
• Coordinating collaboration with scientific, technical, and administrative partners in Germany and internationally
• Scientific data and quality management, including the development and maintenance of databases and documentation
• Preparation, analysis, and presentation of scientific content; contribution to publications and studies
• Monitoring and evaluating project progress and results
• Maintaining professional networks and representing the DZA in national and international research collaborations

Requirements:

• Completed university degree (master’s degree / diploma) and PhD in physics, engineering, or a related field
• Experience in scientific project management and coordination of interdisciplinary research projects
• Knowledge of national and European research funding programs (e.g. DFG, BMBF, and EU Framework Programmes)
• Experience in writing and coordinating research proposals
• Knowledge of scientific data management and quality assurance
• Familiarity with the establishment and operation of scientific research infrastructures
• Desirable: expertise in gravitational-wave detection and instrumental physics
• Excellent command of English (spoken and written) and a solid working knowledge of German are required for this position
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, an interdisciplinary approach, and pronounced organisational talent
• Ability for analytical, conceptual, and strategic thinking

We offer:

• 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 aims to increase the proportion of women in its workforce and therefore expressly encourages women to apply. Applications from persons with disabilities are also particularly welcome. In cases of equal qualification, they will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the German Social Code (SGB IX).