The Faculty of Physics, Cosmology and Astrophysics group has the following job opening: 
Employment is conducive to scientific qualification and provides the opportunity for further academic development.
Research Position (PhD student) (m/f/d)
ID: Wiss25547
- starting: 01.03.2026 or as soon as possible
- Teilzeit 65 %
- salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
- befristet
The ErUM-IFT-2 project "Information Field Theory for Experiments at Large Research Facilities" has a PhD opening in the field of data-intensive radio astronomy. Methods of information field theory will be used to characterise the properties of radio antennas as used in modern radio interferometers (e. g., MeerKAT, LOFAR, SKA). The goal is to establish accurate models for antenna responses and describe their uncertainties in order to improve imaging techniques at large radio astronomy facilities. The project will be carried out in the Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics working group (Prof. Schwarz) at the Faculty of Physics. This will be done in close cooperation with working groups at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Garching and the German Center for Astrophysics in Görlitz.
Your Tasks
- working on the research project's questions (70 %)
- presenting the results at conferences and publishing them in scientific journals (20 %)
- documenting the project and organizing project meetings (10 %)
Employment is conducive to scientific qualification and provides the opportunity for further academic development.
We offer
- salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
- befristet 3 years (§ 2 (1) sentence 1 of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
- Teilzeit 65 %
- internal and external training opportunities
- variety of health, consulting and prevention services
- reconcilability of family and work
- flexible working hours
- good transport connection
- collegial working environment
- open and pleasant working atmosphere
- exciting, varied tasks
Your Profile
We expect
- completed university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in physics, astronomy, or electrical engineering
- good programming skills (Python or C++)
- good English skills (spoken and written)
- interest and enthusiasm for scientific issues
- good communication skills
- independent, autonomous and committed way of working
- cooperative and team-orientated working style
Preferred experience and skills
- experience with research in teams
- knowledge of the fundamentals of Bayesian statistics
- knowledge of the fundamentals of radio astronomy
Application Procedure
We are looking forward to receiving your application with two letters of recommendation. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.
application deadline: 28.01.2026
Contact
Prof. Dr. Dominik Schwarz
0521 106-6223
dschwarz@physik.uni-bielefeld.de
Postal Address
Universität Bielefeld
Fakultät für Physik
Susi v. Reder
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld
Prof. Dr. Dominik Schwarz
0521 106-6223
dschwarz@physik.uni-bielefeld.de
Postal Address
Universität Bielefeld
Fakultät für Physik
Susi v. Reder
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld
Bielefeld University has received a number of awards for its achievements as an equal-opportunity employer and has been
recognized as a family-friendly university. The university welcomes applications from women. This is particularly true with regard
both to academic and technical posts as well as positions in information technology as well as the skilled crafts and trades.
Applications are handled according to the provisions of the state statutes on equal opportunity. Applications from suitably qualified
handicapped and severely handicapped persons are explicitly encouraged.
At Bielefeld University on request positions can be carried out with reduced working hours as long as this does not conflict with official needs.
