Postdoctoral positions within the RECAP ERC Synergy Grant project

We are seeking to fill Postdoctoral positions within the REionization Complementary Approach Project (RECAP), which aims at unravelling the complexity of the cosmic reionization history and of the energy and baryon exchange between ionizing sources and their environment, through the synergy between multi-scale tailored simulations and multi-wavelength observations. The project will exploit proprietary and archival datasets from state-of-the-art facilities, such as JWST, VLT and ALMA. The design of new observations will be driven by tailored simulations, which will also support the data interpretation.  

The positions are funded by the ERC Synergy Grant 2024 program RECAP (101166930) and the successful candidates (f/m/d) will be working within one of the groups led by the project PIs: Laura Pentericci (Italy), Benedetta Ciardi (MPA, Germany), Valentina D’Odorico (Italy), and Kirsten Knudsen (Sweden). Because of the highly synergetic approach of the projects, extended visits to institutes other than the hosting one are expected, and the positions come with travel funds. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to supervise and mentor students.

The MPA node will open two positions to develop and run tailored multi-scale hydrodynamic simulations and radiative transfer methods within the research group of Dr. Benedetta Ciardi. The outcome will aid the design of observational campaigns lead by the other PIs of the network, and the interpretation of the data. The successful candidates will closely interact with other members of the group, whose research is focused on the theoretical modelling of early structure formation and cosmic reionization. 

The applicants are expected to have strong numerical background and/or experience with radiative transfer algorithms. The initial term of employment is 3 years and may be extended up to a total of 5 years, subject to performance and review.

Salaries are paid at German civil service rates. The positions come with 30 days holiday entitlement, health insurance, and social benefits according to the regulations for public service.

The interested applicants should send the following material to Dr. Benedetta Ciardi by 12.01.2025: a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a publication list, and a brief description of current research interests and expertise (max 1 page) as a single pdf file. They should also arrange for the submission of three reference letters. Later applications will be considered until the positions are filled.

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 to apply. MPA wishes to increase diversity and equality of opportunity in all respects and welcomes applications without regard to factors such as nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.