Two Postdoctoral positions

The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching (Bavaria/Germany) is a world-leading institute in space- and ground-based experimental astrophysics, with leading roles in a number of large astronomical projects.

The Centre for Astrochemical Studies (CAS) group focuses its research on several aspects of star formation, with special interest in the use of astrochemistry to unveil the process of star and planet formation and in the growing chemical complexity during this process. We have world-leading expertise in all the main fields related to astrochemistry, from theoretical works concerning dynamic simulations and chemical networks, to laboratory experiments with molecules of astronomical interest, to observational studies of star- and planet-forming regions at various stages of evolution.

In the framework of the new Max Planck Research Group (MPRG) lead by Dr. Silvia Spezzano, we are seeking two post-doctoral candidates with background in laboratory spectroscopy (Postdoc 1) and radiative transfer modelling of molecular lines (Postdoc 2).

The goal of the research group is to follow the chemical link of our astrochemical origins by:

• using state-of-the-art laboratory experiments to provide high-resolution spectroscopic data for characterising the chemical budget in all stages of the formation stars and planetary systems, from starless cores to exoplanetary atmospheres (Postdoc 1).
• studying with unprecedented details the physical structure of starless and pre-stellar cores (Postdoc 2).

The appointment will be for 2 years, with the possibility of extension. The MPRG is funded for a total of five years, starting in autumn 2020. Funding for travel and publication expenses will be provided dependent on availability.

The salary and social benefits are based on the German TVöD scale for public employees, depending on experience.

Applicants should submit their documents (in PDF form) online (https://recruitingapp-5257.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/423/Application/CheckLogin/2?lang=eng ) including a CV, a list of publications, a brief (~1 page) description or research interests by October 31, 2020. Two referees should be identified, who can provide letters of recommendation upon request.

For information about the project, please contact Dr. Silvia Spezzano ([email protected]).

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.

Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.