Euclid Calibration Support Scientist

The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg is offering a fixed-term science position within the Galaxies and Cosmology department to support the Euclid project. Euclid is ESA's upcoming M-class mission to survey 15,000 square degrees of extragalactic sky over 6 years. It will provide decisive answers to fundamental questions about the nature of gravitation, dark matter, and the accelerated expansion of the Universe. Euclid uses wide-field optical and infrared imaging, and slitless near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, to measure the 3-dimensional distribution of matter in the Universe and its weak gravitational lensing effect. Euclid's planned launch date is December 2022.

We seek an experienced astronomer to support the Euclid Calibration Scientist already hosted at MPIA, during the remaining year until launch and the two first years in flight. The successful applicant should be experienced in several of the following areas, optical and / or NIR:

(*) Imaging and/or spectroscopy, ground-based or space-based, as a PI or in a support function at an observatory

(*) Calibration, processing and analysis of optical and / or NIR data

(*) Hands-on experience with astronomical instrumentation and their calibration

(*) Statistical modeling of multivariate astronomical datasets, trend analysis

(*) Versatile in python or C/C++, and common astronomical data analysis tools and languages.

The work is interdisciplinary and at the heart of the Euclid survey with great visibility. You will be part of the Euclid Calibration Working Group, with expert members from the scientific Euclid Consortium and ESA. Our group is characterized by great collaborative spirit, support and expertise. You will work on various calibration-related tasks, together with the Euclid Calibration Scientist and the instrument scientists, and independently on other tasks, depending on your skills and experience.

The position accommodates an independent research fraction of 20%. You have access to all ESO facilities including ALMA, as well as privileged access to the 8.4m LBT in Arizona, the 2.2m MPG/ESO telescope, the Calar Alto 2.2m telescope, and the IRAM millimeter facilities. Considerable computing resources are also available. Besides Euclid, MPIA is involved in a number of large collaborations and surveys, including Gaia, SDSS-V, 4MOST, VRO, and JWST GTO programs.

Applicants must have a PhD in astronomy or astrophysics. The position is funded by MPIA through the German Space Agency (DLR). Initial funding until the end of 2022 is secured, and is planned to be extended until Euclid Data Release 1 (DR1, 26 months after launch) in early 2025. The position is open immediately, and should be filled as soon as possible. MPIA has flexible working conditions concerning home office, family and Covid-19.

MPIA aims to provide a stimulating, supportive and inclusive work environment for all genders, religions, and cultural heritages. For questions concerning promoting and monitoring equal opportunity for all MPIA employees, please contact Thavisha Dharmawardena ([email protected]) and regarding disabilities Ralf Launhardt ([email protected]).

Remuneration will be on the German public sector scale (expected to be TVOeD level E14), and depends in detail on qualification and experience. Extensive social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service.

For inquiries, please contact the Euclid Scientists Dr. Mischa Schirmer ([email protected]) and Dr. Knud Jahnke ([email protected]).

Applicants should prepare a cover letter, CV, publication list, and a complementary brief statement of research interests by August 31, 2021. Please concatenate them in a single PDF and email them to [email protected]. Two letters of reference should be emailed separately by the same date.