Gliese Fellowship 2022 (University of Heidelberg/Germany)

The Zentrum für Astronomie der Universität Heidelberg (ZAH) invites applications for the Gliese Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, named in honor of Wilhelm Gliese (1915 - 1993) and his pioneering astrometric studies of stars in the solar neighborhood.

The goal of the Gliese Fellowship Program is to offer scientists within a few years after their PhD the best possible opportunities to develop their talents within a rich and inspiring scientific environment. It provides a salary according to the German Collective Agreement for the Public Sector (TVöD) as well as a research budget for three years to an outstanding postdoctoral researcher in any area of astronomy or astrophysics in which scientists at ZAH are active.

The Zentrum für Astronomie der Universität Heidelberg represents the largest center of astronomical research at any German university and consists of three institutes: the Astronomisches Rechen-Institut (ARI), the Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (ITA) and the Landessternwarte Königstuhl (LSW). Its scientific activities cover a wide range of observational and theoretical research, extending from planet and star formation, exoplanet searches, galactic astronomy, galaxy formation and evolution, to gravitational lensing and cosmology. The ZAH is involved in the development of astronomical instrumentation (e.g. 4MOST), heads the Gaia Data Reduction and Analysis Consortium (DPAC), is partner in the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) and participates in major international survey projects.

Excellent local computing facilities, access to supercomputers and participation in Virtual Observatory and eScience activities supplement the research infrastructure at ZAH. There are strong collaborative ties with the local Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), the Max-Planck-Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) and the Max-Planck-Institute for Nuclear Physics (MPIK).

Applicants should submit a single document (preferentially pdf-format) by November 30, 2021 to Dr. Guido Thimm at [email protected]. This document should include a CV, a list of publications, and a one-page research plan. Applicants should also arrange for three letters of recommendation by scientists familiar with their work be sent to us by that date. The start of the appointment is flexible but expected to start in fall 2022. We especially encourage female scientists to apply.