PhD position in Astrophysics

Applications are invited for PhD position in the Dwarf Galaxies and the Galactic Halo research group. The candidate will work on a dual (‘Co-tutelle’) PhD programme with Prof. Maria-Rosa Cioni and Prof. Richard de Grijs (Macquarie University). It is expected that the candidate will spend 1.5–2 years at the partner University, subject to successful application for a Co-tutelle scholarship.

The main goal of the PhD project is to exploit the cutting-edge data of the VISTA survey of the Magellanic Clouds system (VMC), with particular emphasis on clustering and stellar population properties in fields associated to the Large Magellanic Cloud. This work is part of ERC Consolidator Grant project INTERCLOUDS on `Using the Magellanic Clouds to study the Interaction of Galaxies’.

The AIP is located in the beautiful Potsdam/Babelsberg area, at the southwest border of the Berlin metropolitan area. About 130 scientists work on a variety of astrophysical topics from solar physics to cosmology. The AIP is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and specifically encourages applications from women. Preference will also be given to handicapped persons with equal competence. Macquarie University is located in parkland in North Sydney, less than half an hour by train from the city’s central business district. Sydney is consistently ranked in the top-5 of the world’s most liveable cities.

To apply please send a CV, a one-page statement on research experience and interests, and three letters of reference. Note also the entry requirements for Macquarie: IELTS scores of at least 6 on any individual component and 6.5 on average, evidence of a minimum of one year full-time research experience, and significant written output (e.g. a Master’s thesis or a published paper in a recognised journal).