Postdoctoral Position (m/f/d) in Exoplanet Detection using Radial Velocity technique

The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Göttingen conducts fundamental research in the field of solar system physics. With its approximately 300 staff members, it is one of the leading institutes in the field of solar physics and planetary research. In particular, the institute is involved in numerous international space missions.

The institute invites applications for a postdoctoral position

Postdoctoral Position (m/f/d) in Exoplanet Detection using the Radial Velocity technique

The nearest exoplanets to the Sun provide the best possibilities for detailed study, including searching for evidence of life outside the Solar System. The RedDots planet search program aims to detect all terrestrial planets within 5pc: these will be top priority planets for further characterisation. The aim for this position is to push the detection limit by including stellar variability diagnostics as input to statistical techniques such as Gaussian Processes.

Your Tasks:

Detection of exoplanets using the Radial Velocity technique

Periodogram analysis and identification of stellar activity signals

Modelling stellar activity signals

Include stellar variability diagnostics as input to statistical techniques such as Gaussian Processes

You should have:

Ph.D. in Astrophysics

Experience in the detection of exoplanets using the Radial Velocity technique

Preferably experience using Gaussian Processes or equivalent

Basic understandig of stellar activity

Very good command of English (min B2-Level)

Employment Conditions:

Remuneration is according to the German public salary scale TVöD-Bund E13

Social security benefits are in accordance with the public service regulations.

The position is available in the Solar and Stellar Interiors Department starting as soon as possible for a period of at least 2 years. 

Applications should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a research statement, and a full list of publications. Candidates should list the names and contact details of at least two referees in their cover letter. 

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equity and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are explicitly encouraged.

Applications will be reviewed starting 8 January 2022 until the position is filled.

Please apply with informative documents exclusively online here on this site via our application portal. We look forward to receiving your online application: https://karriere.mps.mpg.de/jobposting/8601b20316ba2fd21911223942a4b26a2710ae3d0

For any questions regarding the application please contact :

PD Dr. Sandra Jeffers, [email protected]