Postdoctoral Prize Fellowships and Postdoctoral Positions (m/f/d) | Galaxies and Cosmology

The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg plans to offer up to 5 positions for pursuing innovative theoretical or observational research within its Galaxies and Cosmology department. The department’s research covers a wide range of topics related to galaxy evolution from the Milky Way to the highest redshift quasars: stellar spectroscopy as a diagnostic for stellar physics and Galactic archeology; star formation and the interstellar medium in galaxies near and far; galactic nuclei, black holes, and AGN; the redshift evolution and physical properties of the galaxy population and the circumgalactic, intracluster and intergalactic medium, as well as studies of the most distant galaxies, quasars and galaxy clusters. Our research approaches encompass multi-wavelength observations with large surveys and large observing programs (e.g., Gaia, JWST, Euclid, Rubin/SDSS-V, and 4MOST) and large simulation projects (e.g. IllustrisTNG and TNG-Cluster). The development of innovative instrumentation is also a core research direction within the institute. Finally, the department hosts several independent research groups supported by the MPG, ERC, and the Humboldt Foundation.

We invite applications for two independent prize fellowships and for several other (project-related) positions.

All applicants for the project-related positions will also be considered for the fellowship.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field. The starting dates are expected to be no later than autumn 2025; earlier dates may be possible for certain positions.

Our offer

MPIA researchers have privileged access to the twin 8.4m Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) in Arizona, the 2.2m MPG telescope on La Silla, and the IRAM millimeter facilities, including the NOEMA interferometer. MPIA astronomers make frequent use of all ESO facilities, including the VLT and ALMA, and all are encouraged to lead proposals as principal investigators. MPIA also offers access to a range of local computing clusters and external super-computing resources (e.g., at the MPCDF). The institute leads or is involved in many large science collaborations and surveys, including SDSS-V, Euclid, 4MOST, VRO/LSST, JWST, and MeerKAT + JVLA programs. MPIA also plays a leading role in the data analysis for Gaia and instrumentation for the ELT.

MPIA aims to provide a stimulating and supportive work environment, and the successful candidates can draw on funds for publications, computing, travel, training, etc. Remuneration will be on the German public sector scale (expected to be TVOeD level E14), depending on qualification and experience. Extensive social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service.

Your application

Applicants should prepare a cover letter indicating the position(s) of interest, CV, publication list, and a statement of research interests by November 15, 2024 (Attention to: Dr. Annalisa Pillepich, chair of the search committee), and arrange for three letters of reference to be provided separately by the same date. The page limit of the statement of research interests is four pages (references are not counted against the page limit). All applications and reference letters must be submitted using the online application system.

For inquiries, please contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Annalisa Pillepich (pillepich@mpia.de), the department assistant Susanne Koltes-Al-Zoubi (koltes@mpia.de), or any of the staff members in the Galaxies and Cosmology department.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women, and all other historically under-represented groups, to apply. 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 our equal opportunity officers (equality@mpia.de). Regarding disability guidelines and regulations, please contact Ralf Launhardt (rl@mpia.de).