Postdoctoral Position at the Infrared/ Submillimeter Group, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching

Infrared Group of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics invites applications from talented postdoctoral researchers. Our front-line research focuses on near-IR-millimeter high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy of the Galactic Center, and of star forming galaxies in the early Universe. We lead studies of star formation, gas content, physical properties and dynamics of galaxies, and black-hole formation and evolution. This research is supported by a major program of innovative instrumentation development. For ESO, we are investing substantial developmental effort in interferometry and adaptive optics, where we are the PI institute for GRAVITY, an ESO VLTI instrument for precision astrometry and interferometric imaging of faint objects, now in regular science operations and producing breakthrough results. We are also leading ERIS, a new diffraction-limited imaging and spectroscopic facility for the VLT, and are the PI institute for MICADO, a first-light instrument for the E-ELT. At the LBT on Mount Graham, we lead ARGOS, a ground layer AO system.

This year we particularly invite applicants with interests in interferometric imaging at the highest resolution with GRAVITY and the physics of supermassive black holes. Appointments in our other research fields, such as galaxy formation and evolution and IR/submm instrumentation, will also be considered. The appointment is initially for 3 years. Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy or related field before starting. MPE provides a generous travel allowance and the opportunity to spend time at UC Berkeley as part of an exchange program in astrophysics between the MPG and UCB. The salary and social benefits are based on the German TVoeD scale for public employees (E14 for postdocs), depending on experience.

Please send a letter of application, a brief description of research interests, a CV including bibliography, and three letters of reference by November 30, 2018 to [email protected].

For scientific enquiries about the post please contact Linda Tacconi - [email protected].

The MPE encourages applications from women, minorities, and disabled persons.