PhD Positions in X-ray Astronomy (eROSITA, ATHENA)

Erlangen Centre for Astroparticle Physics, Remeis-Observatory Bamberg, invites applications for up to two PhD positions in the area of science and science preparation related to the German eROSITA experiment and in the area of modeling X-ray detectors for ATHENA.

The successful candidates will join the working group of Joern Wilms. They will be members of the group responsible for the development of simulation and analysis software for the eROSITA detector on Spectrum-X-Gamma and for the simulators for the instruments on Europe's future X-ray observatory Athena. The PhD research will be in an area of high energy astrophysics related to these facilities, especially with eROSITA (launch in 2018). Members of the X-ray group perform observational and theoretical research on compact Galactic objects (accreting neutron stars and black holes), multiwavelength studies of Active Galactic Nuclei, and atomic physics related to high resolution X-ray astronomy.

Project duties include contributions to the development and operation of the near real time analysis software of eROSITA, and to the simulation software for eROSITA and Athena.

Candidates must have demonstratable experience in software development in at least one high level compiled programming language such as C. Experience in astronomical data analysis or numerical modeling, as well as web development (extJS) is desirable.

Renumeration will be according to TV-L E13/2 of the German civil service scale.

The positions are available immediately for a duration of three years. Candidates must have a MSc in (astro)physics, computer science, or a related field, by the start of the employment.

To apply, please send a cover letter briefly describing your research and programming experience, CV, transcript of records, and addresses of two potential referees by 31 July 2017 to [email protected]. To reduce the burden on referees, please do not submit letters of recommendation at this time.