1 PhD position in astronomy and astrophysics

Applications are invited for one PhD position in the group of Prof. Lucas Labadie at the 1st Physics Institute of the University of Cologne. In the context of our involvement in the EELT instrumentation program, the Institute is responsible for the development of the Warm Calibration Unit (WCU) of the METIS instrument. The successful candidate will work towards a PhD thesis in Experimental Physics/Astrophysics. As member of the local METIS team, she/he will 1) develop the experimental tools and breadboards to demonstrate the instrumental solutions envisioned for the WCU, 2) contribute to the design/validation of the sub-systems throughout the project lifetime, 3) exploit our astrophysical data on YSOs obtained from VLT/VLTI, 4) contribute the preparation of science cases on protoplanetary disks with the interferometer MATISSE/VLTI. Applicants should hold a MSc or Diploma degree in astrophysics-astronomy or physics. She/he should ideally also have a background in fields associated to astronomical instrumentation or to observational astronomy. Working language is English. The salary is based on the E13 50% TV-L scale. Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send by October 6, 2017 a single PDF file containing a CV, educational and grades record, and a short statement of research interests to [email protected]. The names of two referees to whom references will be asked must be provided.