Postdoctoral Positions in Exoplanet Atmosphere Studies, Atmospheric Physics of Exoplanets Department (APEx) - Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg (Ref. 348)

Postdoctoral Positions in Exoplanet Atmosphere Studies, Atmospheric Physics of Exoplanets Department (APEx) - Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg (Ref. 348)

Applications are invited for multiple postdoctoral research positions (Reference Number 348) in the Atmospheric Physics of Exoplanets (APEx) Department of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA), Heidelberg (www.mpia.de), Germany. APEx was founded in 2020 to characterize the atmospheric physics and chemistry of extrasolar planets.

The successful applicant/s will join the research groups of either Thomas Mikal-Evans or Laura Kreidberg to develop new tools for analyzing and/or interpreting transiting exoplanet data, including planned observations to be made with JWST. Applicants with backgrounds in all areas of astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and/or machine learning research are welcome to apply. We particularly encourage applications from:

• theorists with experience performing atmospheric retrieval analyses
• observers with experience in data analysis for transiting exoplanets (at high or low spectral resolution).

Our offer

The successful applicant/s will have access to state-of-the-art observing and computation facilities, including ESO telescopes and the LBT, local computing clusters at MPIA, as well as the high-performance computing clusters of the Max Planck Society (https://www.mpcdf.mpg.de). Generous allowances will be provided for personal computing equipment, relocation expenses, publication charges, and travel. The successful applicant/s will be free to devote up to 50% of their time to pursuing independent research projects.

The start date is anticipated to be between June and October 2023.  Appointments will be for a 3 +1 year term with the final year contingent on successful performance and available funding. Remuneration will be on the German public sector scale (expected to be TVÖD, level E14) and depends on qualification and experience. Extensive social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service.

Your profile

Prior experience in the field of exoplanets is not required, but candidates must have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, machine learning, or related field by the position start date.

Your application

Candidates should provide the following in their application:

• cover letter (1-2 page)

• brief CV (max. 3 pages)

• publication list

• research statement (including past, current, and future research – max. 3 pages not including references)

Please upload all documents in pdf format. Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be provided separately (further details will be provided once registered in the online application portal).

All application materials are due by November 11, 2022 and must be submitted using the online application system: https://career.mpia.de/en/applicants/new?job=10

For inquiries, please contact the chair of the search committee, Thomas Mikal-Evans ([email protected]).

For assistance in submitting the application, contact Carola Jordan ([email protected]).

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer and strives for a diverse community of employees. Applications from historically underrepresented or disadvantaged groups are particularly encouraged.

A good work-life balance is an important concern for us at the Institute. We offer our employees family-friendly working hours and provide support in finding suitable childcare facilities. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.  If you have any questions about equal opportunities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Officer ([email protected]), or Ralf Launhardt ([email protected]) on the subject of severely disabled persons.