Research Positions (postdoc or experienced candidates) (m/f/d) in High-Energy Astrophysics

Job Offer from February 09, 2024

Applications are invited for one or more research positions in the High-Energy astrophysics group of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching, led by Prof. K. Nandra. MPE is a world-leading institute in space- and ground-based experimental astrophysics, with leading roles in a number of large astronomical projects. The high-energy group carries out major space hardware activities in support of its astrophysics research program, including the development of X-ray detectors and X-ray optics. The group has contributed significantly to missions such as Chandra and XMM–Newton and led the development of the eROSITA X-ray telescope. eROSITA launched in 2019 aboard the SRG satellite and is currently in its science exploitation phase. MPE is also a partner in Einstein Probe, a mission of the Chinese academy of Sciences due to launch in early 2024 and is a leading institute in ESA’s future Athena X-ray observatory. The group is involved in a number of ground-based projects, including GROND, SDSS-V, VISTA/4MOST and VRO/LSST, mostly in support of our space programs.

Research Positions (postdoc or experienced candidates) (m/f/d) in High-Energy Astrophysics.

Job Code: 02/2024

Successful candidates will be expected to undertake a program of research in one of the main areas of interest of the MPE high energy astrophysics group, which include supermassive black hole evolution, accreting compact objects and the hot phases of the interstellar, circum-galactic medium, and intergalactic media. One position will be dedicated to the exploitation of the soon-to-be launched Einstein Probe mission, with a focus on high-energy transients. Candidates whose main interest is in clusters of galaxies and cosmology are referred to the announcement for a postdoctoral position in Observational Cosmology in the ERC Funded Project “DarkQuest” in the MPE High-Energy Group.

Research programs should be mainly focused on the exploitation of the eROSITA all-sky survey and/or the Einstein Probe data, as well as their multi-wavelength follow-up.

Applicants must have Ph.D. in astronomy or astrophysics, or expect to obtain their Ph.D. in the immediate future. Experience and a track record of publications relevant to the research of the MPE High-Energy group is essential. Familiarity with X-ray data analysis and/or interpretation would be desirable.

The full-time postdoc position is initially for two years with the possibility for further extension. More senior candidates with interested in working in the MPE high energy group are encouraged to apply. The contract length for this position depends on mutual agreement and the WissZeitGesetz.

• A versatile, challenging and autonomous job in a dynamic and culturally stimulating international research environment in the development of satellite instrumentation.
• Interdisciplinary work in a team of experienced engineers and physicists.
• Needs-oriented training opportunities.
• Fair payment according to your qualifications and professional experience in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD).
• Company pension scheme (VBL).
• Private accident insurance financed by the employer.
• Reduced rates for certain insurance policies.
• Family service at the Garching research campus.
• Underground station U6 directly in front of the institute.
• Free parking on the institute grounds.
• Canteen in the immediate vicinity.

MPE is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome all applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity. Family-friendly working conditions are a matter for us.

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.

Applicants should submit their documents (in English, and in PDF form) via our application portal online by 29th March 2024, including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a brief (~1 page) description of research interests and the names of three referees that can provide letters of reference upon request. Informal enquiries about the position may be addressed to Dr. Andrea Merloni or Prof. Kirpal Nandra .