Postdoctoral Researcher in ISM Physics and Star Formation

We are seeking an ambitious, highly-qualified postdoctoral researcher to work in the new “Baryon Cycle in Nearby Galaxies” Emmy Noether Research Group led by Dr. Kathryn Kreckel at the Astronomisches Rechen-Institut of the Zentrum für Astronomie at Heidelberg University (ARI/ZAH).  The offered position is funded by a German Science Foundation grant, and the group focuses on topics relating to ISM physics, star formation and stellar feedback on small (<100pc) spatial scales. 

Successful candidates will carry out research within the PHANGS collaboration, and will exploit new optical IFU data from VLT/MUSE, in combination with new HST and ALMA observations, to answer key open questions relating to identifying and characterizing HII regions, other ionization sources, and diffuse ionized gas.  We seek candidates with a Ph.D. degree in astronomy or a related field in combination with experience in studies of star formation, with an emphasis on photoionization modeling, optical spectroscopy and HII regions.

ARI researchers have access to all ESO facilities, including the VLT, and to the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT).  Funds will be provided for travel, guests, computing, and publications. The group has strong collaborative ties with the other groups at the ZAH, as well as at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA).

The starting date is expected to be no later than autumn 2020, with an earlier start date also possible. The appointment will be for a period of 3 years. The salary will be according to the German public service scale TV-L E13. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, brief statement of research interests and achievements (max. 3 pages), curriculum vitae, and publication list in a single pdf file to [email protected].  Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of reference separately sent to the above email address.  Applications submitted before December 16, 2019 will receive full consideration.  The position will remain open until filled. For further information please contact Dr. Kathryn Kreckel, [email protected] 

Heidelberg University is an equal opportunity employer. Women and members of under-represented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.