APEx Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship
Job Summary
Job Description
We invite applications for the inaugural APEx Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (www.mpia.de ). The prize fellow will be hosted by the APEx Department (http://www.mpia.de/en/apex), which was newly founded in 2020 to characterize the atmospheric physics and chemistry of extrasolar planets. The department’s research interests include: formation and evolution of planetary systems, present-day climate and weather of exoplanets, planet detection, the development of purpose-built instruments for planet characterization, and the search for and origins of life in the universe.
We seek candidates with exceptional promise in the area of exoplanet atmosphere studies, including observation, theory, and instrumentation. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to lead an independent research program in an intellectually vibrant, supportive, and collaborative environment. We anticipate a starting date of 2021.
The APEx Prize Fellow will have access to funds for publications, computing, and travel. Resources are also available for career development, networking and mentoring. All MPIA researchers have institutional access to state-of-the-art observing facilities, as well as a wide range of supercomputing resources.
Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy or a closely related field. The appointment duration is 3 + 1 years, with the final year awarded on successful performance. Candidates should provide a cover letter, CV, publication list, statement of previous and current research (up to three pages), and proposed research plan (up to five pages). Please concatenate all documents in the order listed above in a single pdf file. Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be provided separately. All application materials are due by December 1, 2020 and must be submitted using the online application system:
https://s-lotus.gwdg.de/mpg/mhas/apex_postdoc_312.nsf/portal
For inquiries, please contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Laura Kreidberg ([email protected]). For assistance submitting the application, contact the director’s assistant, Carola Jordan ([email protected]).
Compensation and Benefits
Remuneration will be on the German public sector scale (expected to be TVOeD level E14), and depends on qualification and experience. Extensive social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service. The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer, and we particularly welcome applicants from groups who have been traditionally underrepresented in astronomy. The MPIA supports its employees in their search for suitable childcare.