Postdoc: ATLAS INF - Software Engineering / FAIR-FLEXI: Implementing CFD framework for complex flows

The DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1667 “Advancing Technologies of Very Low-Altitude Satellites” (ATLAS) at the University of Stuttgart (Germany) addresses the fundamental scientific and engineering challenges of rendering Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO, about 200 km to 450 km altitude) accessible. These orbits are particularly beneficial for satellite services that have become indispensable to our modern knowledge, information, and communication society and enable the operation of satellites without exposing them or contributing to the increasing contamination of traditional orbits with space debris. The research programme encompasses 17 distinct scientific subprojects that are organised into three project areas, focusing on exploring the Gas-Surface Interactions, Enabling Subsystems, and Mission-related Challenges that are respectively critical towards ultimately achieving sustained VLEO operations. Striving towards this common goal, the CRC ATLAS encompasses an especially broad range of research disciplines as well as experimental, numerical, and analytical methods.

The ATLAS Support Project INF: Data Management and Software Engineering is conducted under the joint leadership of apl. Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Bernd Flemisch at the Institute for Modelling of Hydraulic and Environmental Systems (IWS) and Dr.-Ing. Stefan Löhle at the Institute of Space Systems (IRS), respectively located on the Vaihingen Campus of the University of Stuttgart.

Please refer to https://www.sfb1667.uni-stuttgart.de for further information on the CRC 1667 ATLAS and its individual research projects.

The goal of the project fair-flexi, conducted under the leadership of apl. Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Bernd Flemisch at IWS is to establish the CFD code FLEXI and its ecosystem as a high-quality, well-documented and easily accessible open-source framework for complex flow simulations.

You will have the chance to contribute to two exciting projects funded by the German Research Foundation DFG: the Collaborative Research Centre CRC 1667 “Advancing Technologies of Very Low Altitude Satellites (ATLAS)” and the project “fair-flexi: A trustworthy CFD code for simulation and training”.

Within the CRC ATLAS, you will help in creating an information infrastructure that adheres to the FAIR guiding principles, ensuring that all research data and software produced by the CRC are Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. Working in tandem with a designated data steward, you will act as the CRC's research software engineer. Your tasks include:

• Support and guidance of software engineering activities within the CRC, with a focus on enhancing usability and reproducibility of developed software.
• Support and promote quality assurance and control in software codes produced within the CRC.
• Onboarding and training of researchers involved in the CRC with regards to research data management and software engineering.

The goal of the project fair-flexi is to establish the CFD code FLEXI and its ecosystem as a high-quality, well-documented and easily accessible open-source framework for complex flow simulations. A successful implementation will then serve as a demonstrator for other open-source software and provide the functionality to easily integrate other projects. In team with a second researcher, you will jointly target three work packages:

• Create a trustworthy framework, in which the full simulation stack and process can be documented, distributed and reproduced from any output of the code itself.
• Turn the developments into a useful research and training tool, including the capabilities to give interactive feedback for datasets.
• Establish incentives and support structures that foster community growth.

If you are interested in a half-time position, it is possible to apply only for one of the respective two parts within ATLAS or fair-flexi.

Successful candidates possess an M.Sc. in geodesy, engineering, physics, mathematics, software engineering, or a neighbouring field of science. A doctoral degree earned in an area of research relevant to the research program of the CRC ATLAS is required. Candidates should show a strong affinity towards data management and software engineering. Additionally, candidates should have excellent writing skills as well as a track record of topical peer-reviewed academic publications. Fluency in English is required; command of German is appreciated. Active support of and participation in the CRC program is expected.

All vacancies for Ph.D. and postdoctoral positions include a full- or part-time position until the conclusion of the funding phase of the CRC ATLAS in December 2027. Remuneration is based on the TV-L statutory scale and its associated public sector benefits.

For its doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, the CRC ATLAS offers an ambitious structured interdisciplinary training programme with joint supervision by experienced researchers from different disciplines. The program includes also opportunities for participation in international conferences for the dissemination of the respective findings. Selected candidates will likely find themselves in an exceptionally good starting position for their continued future career in academia or industry.

A complete application includes a letter of application, a detailed CV, a list of publications, certificates or transcript of records, and contact details of three referees. Applications are accepted until the respective position is filled.