Blue Planets around Red Stars

For the project Blue Planets around Red Stars: Scientific Exploitation of the CARMENES Survey funded by the German Research Foundation as DFG Research Unit the Institute for Astrophysics (IAG) of the Georg August University is looking to fill the positions of a Research Assistant.
In the Research Unit, five institutes in Germany collaborate with five Spanish institutes on the exploitation of data from the new CARMENES instrument, located at Calar Alto Observatory in Andalucia, Spain. CARMENES is the first radial velocity program searching for extrasolar planets at near-infrared wavelengths. The CARMENES Survey collects time-series of high-resolution spectra from several hundred M stars with the main goal to search for nearby exoplanetary systems. Science topics include the development of tools for high-precision radial velocity measurements, photometric observations, fundamental stellar parameters and atmospheres, stellar activity, planet formation, and planetary habitability. The specific task for this position is to perform and analyse photometric observations to characterize the stellar activity of the CRAMENES targets as well as to search for transits. An active involvement in other science topics within the CARMENES survey is highly welcome.

The positions should be filled by Nov 1, 2017 (or as soon as possible thereafter). The regular working hours will be 39.8 hours per week with a limited contract of 2 years. Salary: Pay grade 13 TV-L.

Successful candidates for the Research Assistant positions will hold a highly qualified PhD in physics or astronomy and have focused on research on extrasolar planets. This post is designed to foster young researchers and scientists. Under special circumstances, the positions are suitable for half-time.

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The University of Göttingen committed to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. Its mission is to employ a greater number of severely disabled persons. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.

Please send your application with the usual documents (also in electronic form) by September 1st, 2017