Student Assistant (f/m/d) — Planetary Science & Remote Sensing

About the role

The Planetary Science and Remote Sensing research team at the Institute of Geological Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, is contributing to NASA’s Europa Clipper mission via the dust detector instrument onboard the spacecraft. As part of this work, the group builds theoretical models of the dust environment around Jupiter’s moon Europa.

The position is intended for a student who brings programming ability and familiarity with classical mechanics or the dynamics of solar system bodies. The assignment is suitable for a master’s thesis in planetary science or physics.

Reference code: SHK-SUDA-CLOUD_B

Working time: 41 hours per month

Employment period: Limited until 29.02.2028 (end of project)

Location: Berlin, Germany

Project context

The work is part of ongoing preparations for measurements by the Surface Dust Analyzer (SUDA), an instrument on the NASA Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa. The project focuses on how Europa’s surface topography affects the signal recorded by the instrument.

Tasks

The student will work under supervision to apply a software tool developed within the group for studying how small particles such as dust are released from planetary moons.

Desired profile

The team is looking for applicants with a background or interest in planetology, a solid understanding of classical mechanics, programming experience, and very good English skills at B2/C1 level.

Additional information

For questions, please contact Dr. Jürgen Schmidt at juergen.schmidt@fu-berlin.de or +49 30 838 71050.

Website: https://www.geo.fu-berlin.de/en/geol/fachrichtungen/planet/index.html