LMU-Munich Postdoctoral Positions for Software Development

Applications are invited for postdoctoral appointments in the Cosmology and Structure Formation group of the Faculty of Physics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU-Munich). The successful applicant will focus on software and algorithm development within either (1) the PUNCH4NFDI consortium or (2) the Euclid Science Ground Segment. PUNCH4NFDI (https://punch4nfdi.de) is a newly funded physics consortium operating within the German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) program. Our LMU contributions are in the area of algorithm and software development needed to support the analysis of multi-wavelength astronomical datasets and the joint analyses of datasets from the astro, particle, nuclear and hadronic physics communities. Euclid is an ESA mission (https://sci.esa.int/web/euclid) scheduled to launch in late 2022. Our activities are focused in the area of algorithm development in preparing external, ground based optical datasets needed for photo-z’s and the merging of these data with the Euclid space-based optical and near-infrared data. Appointments will initially be for two years with the possibility of continuation, given the availability of funding.

The new team members will work closely with Prof. Mohr and his group together with either a broad range of PUNCH4NFDI collaborators at LMU and beyond in the PUNCH position, or with other members of the Euclid team at LMU and throughout the Euclid SGS in the Euclid position. Members of our LMU-Munich research group are focused on multiwavelength and weak lensing studies of galaxy clusters, galaxies and AGN using data from SPT, DES, eROSITA, and MeerKAT.  Furthermore, we are making contributions to software and algorithm development in those projects as well as in Euclid, DESC/Rubin and now PUNCH4NFDI. Munich offers a rich environment for astrophysics, cosmology and particle physics, with groups pursuing a wide range of topics at the LMU and also at MPA, MPE, MPP and ESO in Garching.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics and demonstrated skill in algorithm and software development. Experience with collaborative software development will be a benefit. Each two year position is available this fall, beginning as early as 1. October, 2021. These are research positions at the German E13 salary scale, and they are open to all qualified individuals, regardless of nationality. German language skills are not required. The initial appointments will have the possibility of extensions, pending good progress and availability of funding. Please send a CV, a publication list, a statement of research interests, and a description of your software development experience. In addition, please arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to Prof. Mohr. Applications should be received by September 1, 2021.