Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship, Atmospheric Physics of Exoplanets (APEx) Department, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg (Ref. 362)

We invite applications for the APEx Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany https://www.mpia.de/en . The prize fellow will be hosted by the Atmospheric Physics of Exoplanets (APEx) Department. The department’s research interests include exoplanet atmospheric composition and climate, the formation and evolution of planetary systems, planet detection, the development of purpose-built instruments for planet characterization, and the search for life in the universe. APEx is a partner in the construction of several new instruments over the coming decade, including VLTI/GRAVITY+, ELT/METIS, and ELT/ANDES. For more information on our research activities see http://www.mpia.de/en/apex.

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 and collaborative environment.

Our offer

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.

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 strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Applications from historically underrepresented or disadvantaged groups are particularly encouraged.  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. A good work-life balance is an important concern for us at the Institute. We offer our employees family-friendly working hours and provide support in finding suitable childcare facilities. If you have any questions about equal opportunities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Officer ([email protected]), or Ralf Launhardt ([email protected]) on the subject of severely disabled persons.

Your profile
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. The start date is flexible, but ideally no later than September of 2024.

Your application

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 upload all documents in pdf format. Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be provided separately (further details will be provided once registered in the online application portal, see link below). All application materials are due by November 30, 2023 and must be submitted using the online application system: https://career.mpia.de/en/applicants/new?job=34

For inquiries, please contact the chair of the search committee, Prof. Dr. Laura Kreidberg ([email protected]). For assistance submitting the application, contact the director’s assistant, Carola Jordan ([email protected]).