Postdoctoral Positions (f/m/d) | Plate and Star Formation

Scientist Heidelberg
Astronomy & Astrophysics

Job Code: 377

Job Offer from July 15, 2024

The UFOS group at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg is seeking dedicated and highly qualified postdoctoral researchers with a theoretical background to work in any of the following areas: protoplanetary disk dynamics and evolution, dust and gas dynamics in accretion disks, code development in numerical fluid dynamics.

The UFOS group (www.ufos-project.eu/) at MPIA is pursuing a wide range of astrophysical research, encompassing various theoretical models and observations of protoplanetary disks. Several exciting research opportunities are available at MPIA. The successful candidates will have access to the computational facilities of the MPG including high-performance CPU and GPU clusters (MPCDF).

There is flexibility in starting dates, with a preference between 1. October 2024 and 1. January 2025.
Appointments are anticipated for a period of three years. MPIA provides funds for publications, travel, and computer equipment. The remuneration is based on the German collective wage agreement for the public sector (TVöD) depending on qualification and experience in level E14. Social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service.

Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, chemistry, or a closely related field.

Interested candidates should provide the following in their application:

  • cover letter (1-2 page),
  • brief CV (max. 3 pages),
  • publication list,
  • brief research statement (including past, current, and future research – max. 3 pages not inc. references).

Please concatenate all documents in the order listed above in a single pdf file. Please also arrange for 2 letters of reference to be sent separately by the referees. All application materials are due by August 31, 2024 and must be submitted via email to

For inquiries, please contact Mario Flock ().

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equity and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. A good work-life balance is an important concern for us at the Institute. We offer our employees flexible working hours and provide support in finding suitable childcare facilities. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged. The MPIA supports its employees in the search for suitable child care. For questions concerning promoting equal opportunity for all employees and prospective employees at MPIA, please contact Heidi Korhonen ( and regarding disabilities guidelines and regulations please contact Ralf Launhardt ().

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