Postdoctoral Positions in Infrared/ Submillimeter Astrophysics

The Infrared Group of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics invites applications from talented, ambitious graduating PhD students and 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. We are currently commissioning ERIS, a new diffraction-limited imaging and spectroscopic facility for the VLT, and starting a 5-year ERIS guaranteed time program on z~2 galaxy dynamics.  We are investing substantial developmental effort in interferometry and adaptive optics for ESO. We are the PI institute for GRAVITY, an ESO VLTI instrument for precision astrometry and interferometric imaging of faint objects, and are leading the major upgrade to GRAVITY+.  We are also the PI institute for MICADO, a first-light instrument for the ESO ELT.

Up to two of the positions will be in the area of galaxy evolution focussing on the MPE-led ERIS GTO Program GALPHYS and supported through ERC Grant funding, and complemented by observations at other wavelengths.    Additional appointments in our other research fields will also be considered.  Postdoc appointments will start in 2023. Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy or related field before starting. The salary and full social benefits are based on the German TVöD scale for public employees (E14 for postdocs), depending on experience.

Please send a letter of application, a 2-3 page description of research interests, a CV including bibliography, and request three letters of reference to be sent directly to us by October 21, 2022 to [email protected]; the search will continue until suitable candidates are found. 

For scientific enquiries about the positions, please contact Linda Tacconi - [email protected] or Natascha Förster Schreiber – [email protected].

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women, disabled people and minority groups are particularly welcome.