With cutting-edge research in the fields of ENERGY, HEALTH and MATTER, around 1,500 employees from more than 70 nations at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) are committed to mastering the great challenges facing society today.

The Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS) is a German-Polish research center for data-intensive digital systems research.

The Department of Dynamics of Complex Living Systems is looking for a PhD Student (f/m/d) mathematical modeling of pattern formation in ecological systems. 

Your tasks

• Developing and analyzing system-specific mathematical models for self-organizing ecological systems using reaction-diffusion equations and individual-based approaches (specific study systems will be agreed with the successful candidate)
• Parameterize models using different sources of data for model parameters
• Test model predictions with empirical patterns
• Use models to investigate the ecological consequences of pattern formation for the specific system under study

Your profile

• Completed university studies (Master or Diploma) in the field of Physics, Applied mathematics or related field
• Experience in nonlinear dynamical systems is a plus
• Experience in mathematical modeling of living systems (from microbial populations to ecosystem dynamics) is a plus
• Experience in individual-based simulations and reaction-diffusion systems is a plus
• Previous programming experience is desired
• Interested in collaborative work and ability of working in a team
• Strong communication skills
• Fluent written and spoken English skills

Our offer

• A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
• Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
• A structured PhD program with a comprehensive range of continuing education and networking opportunities - more information about the PhD program at the HZDR can be found here
• The employment contract is permanent with a six-month probationary period
• Salary and social benefits in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD-Bund) including 30 days of paid holiday leave, company pension scheme (VBL)
• We support a good work-life balance with the possibility of part-time employment, mobile working and flexible working hours
• Numerous company health management offerings
• Employee discounts with well-known providers via the platform Corporate Benefits
• An employer subsidy for the "Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket"

We look forward to receiving your application documents (including cover letter, CV, diplomas/transcripts, etc.), which you can submit via our online-application-system: https://www.hzdr.de/db/Cms?pNid=490&pLang=en&pOid=73101