Postdoctoral Position in Galactic (Sub)millimeter Astronomy

Within the Collaborative Research Center SFB 956 "Conditions and Impact of Star Formation: Astrophysics, Instrumentation and Laboratory Research" (http://www.sfb956.de/), the Millimeter and Submillimeter Astronomy Department of the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on the exploitation and follow-ups of Galactic Plane surveys such as ATLASGAL (The APEX Telescope Large Area Survey of the Galaxy) and SEDIGISM (Structure, excitation, and dynamics of the inner Galactic interstellar medium).

ATLASGAL has been a tremendously successful observing program with the LABOCA bolometer array at the APEX telescope on Chajnantor, Chile. The survey mapped over 400 square degrees at 870 microns in the inner Galaxy, with a uniform sensitivity of a few solar masses at 1 kpc distance. The survey is providing an unbiased sample of cold dusty clumps in the Galaxy and a variety of molecular line follow-up observations have been started to characterize the physical and chemical conditions in the newly found clumps. In addition, SEDIGISM covers 78 square degrees in the 13CO 2-1 line, also observed with APEX.

The applicant will work on the scientific exploitation of the data and the planning and observation of further follow up programs and galactic survey extensions with upcoming new instrumentation at APEX.  We are looking for a researcher working on observational high mass star formation with demonstrated experience in observational (sub)millimeter astronomy and techniques.

Applicants must have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field. Interested candidates should send application materials including curriculum vitae, list of publications, a two-page summary of relevant experience and plans, and the names of three professional referees who have been asked by the applicant to be willing to submit letters of recommendation by email to Dr, Friedrich Wyrowski: [email protected]. Initial review of applicants will begin on March 15, 2019; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The employment is initially for a period of 2 years, but can be extended for the full SFB funding period until the end of 2022.  Salaries are paid at German civil service rates according to TvÖD 13 or 14 (gross annual pre-tax income including health insurance contributions and social security currently in the range 40.000 EUR to 50.000 EUR, depending on experience).