Postdoctoral positions at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg (16-04)
Job Summary
Job Description
The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany, is inviting applications from ambitious and motivated researchers to join the independent Research Group "Stellar Spectroscopy and Stellar Populations” as a postdoctoral researcher. The group is lead by Dr. Maria Bergemann. The main scientific direction of the group is to use spectroscopic observations of stars and stellar populations to study the structure and evolution of the Milky Way and other galaxies.
Successful candidates are expected to carry out research in any of the fields: a) theory and observations of cool stars, b) chemical abundances and nucleosynthesis, c) large spectroscopic surveys, chemo-dynamics of the Milky Way and disk galaxies. Further information about our projects can be obtained from Maria Bergemann ([email protected]).
The following areas of expertise will be considered advantageous: the ability to design and carry out observational programs at ground- and space-based facilities, spectroscopic data reduction, modelling stellar convection and radiation transport, parallel programming, application of probabilistic methods in the analysis of large datasets, N-body and hydrodynamic calculations of galaxy formation.
The research group is a member in several large ongoing and forthcoming stellar surveys (Gaia-ESO, Apogee, 4MOST), and has direct access to a computer cluster at MPIA and to other supercomputers in Germany. The successful applicant will enjoy stimulating and positive work environment at MPIA, the possibility to develop his/her unique research profile in interaction with leading scientists in planet-, star-, and galaxy-formation at MPIA and other research institutes in Heidelberg (Landessternwarte, Astronomisches Recheninstitut).
Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field. The appointments will be for a period of two years with a likely extension to a total of three years. Funds are available for computing, publications, travel, and other needs. The salary is based on TVöD depending on qualifications and experience up to salary group 13 or 14. Social benefits are paid in accordance with the provisions of the civil service.
The starting date is expected to be Fall of 2016, but later dates are possible.
Candidates should send a curriculum vita, publication list, and a statement of research interests outlining how his/her programme will mesh with the group’s objectives summarized above and describing his/her suitability for the chosen position. CV, publication list, and research statement must be concatenated into a single PDF file. Applications received by August 1, 2016 will receive full consideration, but review of the applications will continue until suitable candidates are found. Three letters of reference shall be provided by the same date. Please send all applications and reference letters to:
For scientific enquiries please contact: Maria Bergemann - [email protected]
For submission enquiries please contact: Susanne Koltes-Al-Zoubi - [email protected]
Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Koenigstuhl 17, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany