Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!For our
Institute of Atmospheric Physics in
Oberpfaffenhofen close to Münchenwe are looking for a
Physicist, mathematician, meteorologist, computer scientist or similar (f/m/x)
Development of methods for coupling shadow models of QML-based parameterizations with ICONWhat to expect: The Institute of Atmospheric Physics deals with relevant questions of atmospheric research with reference to the programs of the Helmholtz Association of German research institutions: Aeronautics, Space, Transport and Energy. Quantum computers are one of the pioneering new technologies of the 21st century. They will enable calculations and simulations that would take conventional computers a prohibitively long time. With the DLR Quantum Computing Initiative, DLR has launched a concerted effort to build quantum computers for Europe and to realize their potential for ground-breaking applications. Within the Quantum Computing for Earth System Models group, we develop the first prototype of a climate model improved with quantum computers. Building on the work carried out within the Synergy Grant of the European Research Council (ERC) on "Understanding and Modelling the Earth System with Machine Learning (USMILE, https://www.usmile-erc.eu/)", the Klim-QML project develops quantum machine learning (QML)-based models to replace physical parameterizations at the subgrid level in the climate model ICON. The unique possibilities offered by quantum computing are explored to improve and accelerate climate modelling and its development process. As part of this research field, your tasks will include the following activities:
Development of methods for coupling shadow models of QML-based parameterisations with ICON - literature research and its application to train shadow models of QML-based parameterizations
- training shadow models that retain the properties of QML models as far as possible, but run on classical computers
- testing the developed models with available quantum computers and simulators and analyzing their scalability
- coupling the shadow models with the ICON climate model
- evaluation of the simulations using the ESMValTool
- comparison with conventional models
- comparison with observational data
- creation of documentation and software
What we expect from you:
- completed scientific university degree (diploma/master's degree) in the natural sciences, for example physics, mathematics, meteorology or in data science, computer science or a comparable field of study
- very good doctorate in physics, meteorology, mathematics, data science, computer science or a comparable field of study
- experience in working independently on complex research tasks
- proven scientific excellence through publications or similar
- experience in dealing with very large amounts of data and machine learning methods
- advanced knowledge of quantum computing or climate modelling
- very good programming skills, preferably Python
- very good English language skills
- willingness to travel
- very good communication and teamwork skills
- excellent analytical skills
A prerequisite for employment at DLR is security clearance in accordance with the Security Clearance Act (SÜG) and the willingness to undergo a security check in accordance with
- 8 ff SÜG.DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified. Further information: Starting date: immediately Duration of contract: 31 December 2026 Type of employment: full time (part time possible) Remuneration: up to German TVöD 13 Vacancy-ID: 98383 Contact: Mierk Schwabe Institut für Physik der Atmosphäre Tel.: 08153 28 4239
