Job Offer from September 30, 2024
The Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR) is the leading radio astronomical institute in Germany. It operates the APEX submm telescope in Chile, the 100-m radio telescope in Effelsberg, the LOFAR DE1 station, a state-of-the-art VLBI correlator, and radio/submm instrument technology laboratories. MPIfR is also a partner in MeerKAT and leads the German SKA efforts. In addition, the Max Planck Society is a major partner in IRAM, which operates the 30m telescope and the NOEMA interferometer. Between MPIfR and the neighbouring universities, the Bonn/Cologne area is a major hub of research activity with a particular focus on (sub)mm/radio astronomy and the study of star formation, from the Milky Way to the distant Universe.
The MPIfR is recruiting several postdoctoral researchers to join the research department of Prof. Dr. Amélie Saintonge, whose focus is on the study of star formation and galaxy evolution, using multi-wavelength observations to connect the baryon cycle, the physics and chemistry of the interstellar medium, and the drivers for star formation and feedback across all environments and scales. We are inviting applications from researchers with scientifitc interests, qualification and skills matching these aims to fill up to five postdoctoral positons.
- Galaxy evolution with optical and radio spectroscopic surveys
We are looking for at least one postdoctoral researcher to conduct galaxy evolution research with large multi-wavelength spectroscopic surveys, in particular at optical and radio wavelengths, exploiting the unprecedentedly large samples of DESI and 4MOST. Topics of particular interest include the galaxy-halo connection, the baryon cycle, and the chemical evolution of galaxies. Experience with galaxy spectrophotometric modelling and physical parameter measurements is desirable, as well as a track record of leading complementary observing programmes on relevant facilities such as ESO-VLT, IRAM, ALMA, MeerKAT or JWST. - Submillimeter science with APEX and AtLAST
We have two positions part-funded by the new Horizon Europe project "Consolidating plans for the Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST)“. Half of the time will be spent engaging with the AtLAST design study, in particular through prototyping and testing of technologies and observing methods on APEX. The other half of the time will be for independent research in star formation, interstellar medium, or galaxy evolution science with submillimetre instruments, taking advantage of key facilities APEX and IRAM (the new AMKID camera on APEX in particular opens up opportunities for new deep Galactic and extragalactic surveys). Previous experience with the reduction and analysis of FIR/submm continuum observations is an asset. - Star formation across environments
Up to two positions are available to join the efforts of the department in understanding the impact of environment on star formation. There is ample evidence that star formation proceeds differently depending on the local conditions within a given galaxy, with systematic variations also seen across the galaxy population and with cosmic time. The successful candidates will be expected to conduct independent research on this topic, while engaging with the efforts of the department and the overall aim of establishing a unified picture across scales and Galactic/extragalactic environments. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to work on the KILOGAS survey, a large ALMA programmes providing kpc-scale CO maps of 500 nearby galaxies with matched optical IFU observations, aimed at understanding the ISM-star formation connection across a broad range of environments.
For all these positions, the ideal candidates will have a strong scientific and technical background, and the ambition to conduct independent research on a topic relevant to the specific position and the overall aims of the department. All group members are encouraged to lead PI proposals on any of the MPIfR-led or ESO facilities, and are supported to engage with external collaborations. The department strives to foster a supportive and collaborative work environment. Therefore, in addition to their independent research, the successful candidates will be expected to actively engage and collaborate with other group members on projects of joint interest. The International Max Planck Research School for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IMPRS) also offers the opportunity for joint research with PhD students and their supervision.
Application process
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter (making sure to indicate the position of interest, and the contact details of three people who may be contacted for references), their curriculum vitae, work and/or degree ceretificates, proof of servere disability (if applicable), a list of publications and a research statement (maximum 3 pages) describing past accomplishments and an overview of the research programme they would anticipate conducting at MPIfR. Applications should be submitted through the MPIfR application portal by November 20, 2024.
More information
The initial appointments are for two years with the possibility of extension after review, with flexible options for the starting date between January and October 2025. Candidates are expected to have completed their PhD by the start of the appointment. Remuneration is within the framework of the German wage agreement for public service (TVöD-Bund) in level 13.
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 areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.
Contact information:
- For scientific enquiries about the positions: Prof. Dr. Amélie Saintonge asaintonge@mpifr-bonn.mpg.de
- For queries about the application process: career@mpifr-bonn.mpg.de