Postdoctoral Fellowship Positions in the Planet and Star Formation Department at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA), Heidelberg (Ref. 384)

The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg is seeking dedicated and highly qualified postdoctoral researchers with observational or/and theoretical backgrounds to work in any of the following areas: planet and star formation, astrochemistry, protoplanetary disk evolution, search for extrasolar planets, laboratory astrophysics and IR instrumentation.

The Planet and Star Formation Department at MPIA is pursuing a wide range of astrophysical research, encompassing large observing programs, instrumentation development, theoretical modelling, and laboratory astrophysics.  A number of exciting research opportunities are available at MPIA. The successful candidates will have access to the Very Large Telescope as well as the IRAM and ALMA facilities.

MPIA astronomers have preferential access to the 2.2m MPG telescope on La Silla, the IRAM facility and the APEX sub-millimeter telescope in Chile. MPIA is part of the VLT/SPHERE, VLTI/MATISSE, VLTI/GRAVITY and JWST/MIRI consortia and is strongly involved in the design and preparation for ELT instruments MICADO and METIS.

Your tasks

Postdoctoral researchers are expected to participate in ongoing research projects and to develop independent research related to the broad interests of the Planet and Star Formation Department.

Your profile

Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, chemistry or a closely related field.

Our offer

Appointments are anticipated for an initial period of three years. MPIA provides funds for publications, travel and computer equipment. The remuneration is based on the German collective wage agreement for the public sector (TVöD) depending on qualification and experience in level E14. Social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service. There is flexibility in starting dates, with preference for starting dates after mid-2025. 

Your application

Interested candidates should provide the following in their application:

• cover letter (1 page)
• brief CV (max. 3 pages)
• publication list
• brief research statement (including past, current, and future research – max. 3 pages not inc. references)
• 3 reference letters submitted by your referees

Please concatenate all documents in the order listed above in a single pdf file. Please also arrange for 3 letters of reference to be provided separately (see below).

All application materials are due by November, 22, 2024 and must be submitted using the online application system.

For inquiries, please contact Myriam Benisty (benisty@mpia.de). For assistance in submitting the application, contact Christelle Hiemstra (hiemstra@mpia.de).

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).