Senior Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

The Department for Quantum Field Theory, led by Prof. Dr. Johannes Henn at the Max Planck Institute for Physics (MPP), is dedicated to advancing fundamental physics research. We think that cross-disciplinary collaboration is key to addressing profound questions in particle physics and cosmology. Our group hosts the multidisciplinary ERC Synergy Grant “Positive Geometry in Particle Physics and Cosmology,” universe+, which fosters collaborative research across these fields.

We are inviting applications for at least one highly motivated Senior Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) to join our team and contribute to expanding our national and international collaborations with leading physicists, cosmologists and mathematicians. This role offers an exciting opportunity to help establishing an interdisciplinary research hub dedicated at the intersection of these fields. The successful candidate(s) would help strengthen scientific exchange with colleagues at the neighbouring Technical University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, and the Max Planck Institutes for Astrophysics and Extraterrestrial Physics; as well as internationally at the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton) and the Leung Center for Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics (LeCosPA) at National Taiwan University.

Your profile

In addition to meeting the general qualifications for a senior postdoctoral position, including successful completion of research projects in international research groups, relevant scientific publications, and experience as speaker at international conferences, candidates should have:

• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with fluency in English.
• A deep interest in mentoring and supporting early-career researchers in developing their professional competence and independence in a committed manner.
• A research program that aligns with but complements the research conducted at MPP.

Ideal candidates should have profound knowledge in one or more of the following areas, and a strong interest in creating interdisciplinary connections between them:

• Quantum field theory (e.g. including but not limited to conformal field theory, QFT in curved space, AdS/CFT correspondence, scattering amplitudes in gauge theories);
• Theoretical particle physics (e.g. calculation of cross-sections for LHC processes, non-perturbative physics);
• Theoretical cosmology/astrophysics (e.g. gravitational wave physics, large-scale structure, cosmological correlators);
• Mathematics relevant to scattering amplitudes (e.g. combinatorics, positive geometry, applied mathematics and computer algebra, special functions in quantum field theory).

Position details

The initial appointment is for three years, with the possibility of extension based on progress and funding availability. For exceptional candidates, a tenure process to transition to a scientific staff position at the MPP can be initiated. The start date is flexible, and we aim to fill the position(s) as soon as possible.

The position is remunerated according to the German Public Service Pay scale (TVöD Bund), with a competitive pay scale up to a maximum of pay group 15, based on qualifications and experience.

Successful candidates will benefit from excellent research conditions at the MPP, including access to Max Planck career development programs and support. Funding is available e.g. for organizing workshops, inviting collaborators, and conference travel.

The Senior Postdoctoral Researcher(s) will also be involved in the co-supervision of MSc and PhD students, as well as the selection of postdocs. Opportunities for research visits and short-term stays at our partner institutes (IAS and LeCosPA) is also envisaged. 

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with a disability 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.

Application process

Review of applications will start on January 10, 2025, and will continue until the position(s) are filled. If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Johannes Henn (Email: henn-qft@mpp.mpg.de).

To apply, please submit your application online including the following documents: a cover letter, an academic CV, a publication list, a brief statement of your research interests and plans (max. 3 pages), as well as the names and contact details of three referees.

The referees will receive personalized links to upload their recommendation letters (no registration required). Please ensure you provide correct e-mail addresses, as bounced emails may not be detected immediately, which could delay the application process.

Max Planck Institute for Physics
(Werner Heisenberg Institute)
Personnel department
Boltzmannstraße 8
85748 Garching
Germany

The Max Planck Institute for Physics collects and stores personal data.