Postdoctoral positions in Observational Cosmology in the ERC Funded Project “DarkQuest”

The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) is a world-leading institute in space- and ground-based experimental astrophysics, with leading roles in a number of large astronomical projects. The High-Energy group, led by Prof. K. Nandra, carries out major space hardware programs, including the development of X-ray detectors and X-ray optics, in support of its astrophysics research program.

MPE invites applications for multiple postdoctoral positions to work in the European Research Council (ERC) funded project "DarkQuest: Shedding Light on the Nature of Dark Matter and Dark Energy with Multi-Wavelength All-Sky Surveys” led by Dr. Esra Bulbul. The eROSITA X-ray telescope, developed by MPE, is currently performing the largest galaxy cluster survey to date, and will deliver a catalog of >100,000 clusters of galaxies and galaxy groups during its 4 year all-sky survey. The overarching goal of the eROSITA cluster survey and the ERC project is to constrain the cosmological parameters using observations of clusters of galaxies, together with complementary multi-wavelength data.

Successful candidates will work on characterization of eROSITA X-ray data, follow-up photometric and spectroscopic data sets in the optical band, and exploit the data in the areas of observational cosmology and astrophysics. Applicants who have experience in the analysis of the multi-wavelength data developing likelihood codes, modeling of systematic effects using innovative statistical methods, and machine learning techniques are encouraged to apply. The postdoctoral researcher will join the young and dynamic clusters and cosmology group at MPE and benefit from membership of the eROSITA, SDSS, 4MOST and LSST collaborations, along with the opportunity of collaborating with large international collaborations (e.g. AAL, SPT) via memoranda of understanding with eROSITA.

Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent degree in physics, astronomy, or a related field by the date of the appointment. Appointments will initially be for 2 years with the possibility of further extension. Funding for travel, computing, and publication expenses will be provided. The salary and social benefits are based on the German TVöD scale for public employees, depending on experience.

Applicants should submit their documents (in English, and in PDF form) online (https://recruitingapp-5257.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/458/Application/CheckLogin/2?lang=eng ), including a CV, a list of publications, and a brief (~3 page) description of research interests, by December 15, 2021. The names of three referees should be provided, who can provide letters of recommendation upon request.

Prospective applicants can contact Dr. E. Bulbul for further information ([email protected]).

For details about MPE or the High-Energy-Group see http://www.mpe.mpg.de/index or http://www.mpe.mpg.de/214514/heg/ .

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.