Tenure-Track Scientist and Group Leader in Solar Magnetism

Tenure-Track Scientist and Group Leader in Solar Magnetism

26 April 2022

The Leibniz-Institute for Solar Physics (KIS), Freiburg, Germany, invites applications for a full-time position of a tenure-track scientist in solar magnetism to lead a group within the department of Solar and Stellar Astrophysics.

KIS is a foundation under public law of the state of Baden-Württemberg and a member of the Leibniz Association. Its mission is to conduct fundamental astrophysical research with a focus on solar physics. Current research foci are 1) Dynamic solar atmosphere, 2) The Sun among stars, and 3) Instruments, techniques and data. KIS operates the German solar telescopes at the Teide Observatory on Tenerife, Spain, and the Science Data Center (SDC) in Freiburg, Germany. KIS leads and participates in several EU cooperation projects and contributes advanced instrumentation to the world's largest solar telescope (DKIST, 4m) on Maui, USA. Further information can be found on the institute's website www.leibniz-kis.de.

The scientist will lead the group “Solar Magnetism” within the department of Solar and Stellar Astrophysics. The group will consist of staff scientists funded from the KIS core budget as well as postdocs and PhD students funded by third-party projects. The successful candidate will support the Board of Directors (BoD) and the institute in their vision and strategies and will demonstrate organizational skills, determination, flexibility, adaptability, efficiency, perseverance, independence, discipline, initiative, constructive criticism and self-criticism. The scientific group leaders at KIS are focused on achieving the success with self-determination, accuracy, openness and honesty, in line with good scientific practices. They are able to lead the group and collaborate with group members and be reliable team players under the leadership of the BoD. They possess necessary social and professional communication skills for carrying out their duties.

Tasks of a group leader include:

• Support the BoD in the planning and implementation of the KIS strategic development.
• Plan and implement scientific work within the group according to the institute plans.
• Plan and manage group personnel and budget according to the allocated funding.
• Plan and manage group member workload and working time.
• Prepare plans and reports to the BoD and external authorities.
• Collaborate with the BoD in filling vacancies in the respective groups.

Tasks of a tenure-track scientist include:

• Carry out scientific research and publish results in peer-reviewed papers.
• Contribute to training of young scientists at the institute, universities and schools.
• Acquire external funding for supporting research, education and public outreach activities.
• Enhance the scientific exchange by collaborating with peers.
• Enhance the public image of the institute by contributing to various outreach activities.

Requirements:

Applicants should have a PhD in physics or astrophysics and a strong record of several years of post-doctoral research in astrophysics, preferentially in the area of solar magnetism, either theoretical or experimental. The successful candidate will 1) pursue a strong research program in solar magnetism with a relation to the institute’s range of competences in stellar magnetism and instrumentation, 2) have experience in gaining third-party funding and project management, 3) formulate and implement a vision for internal and external scientific cooperation as well as interdisciplinary connections.

Desired qualifications:

International experience in diverse and multi-cultural research environments is beneficial for this position. Experience and training in human resource management are desired qualifications.

Our offer:

The position is located in Freiburg, Germany. The appointment will be a full-time position, initially for a term of 5 years, with two evaluations of the work performance after two and four years. Depending on the evaluation results, an unlimited position may be offered. The salary and benefits are according to the rules for government employees of the State of Baden-Württemberg (TV-L) and German law.

Within a framework of the cooperation with the University of Freiburg, a habilitation degree (docentship) can be acquired to offer lectures in various topics of astrophysics and supervise students at BSc, MSc and PhD levels at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics. A promotion to an adjunct professor is possible after several years of a successful docentship (subject to the faculty decision).

You can expect a challenging and future-oriented field of activity with opportunities for creativity at an innovative and successful research institute. We offer a wide range of development and training opportunities, an open and constructive working atmosphere and remuneration commensurate including the social benefits customary in the public sector. The KIS strives to promote the compatibility of work and family, flexible, family-friendly working hours and contributes to the costs of childcare.

Equal opportunity environment is important to us, and we welcome applicants from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in astronomy. We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the advertised position.

The application should include a motivation letter, CV, list of publications, research statement (maximum 4 pages) and names and contact details for up to 3 references. Please state the earliest possible starting date, if possible.

The position is available immediately. Applications will be considered from June 1, 2022, until the position is filled.

Applications using the reference “Solar Magnetism” should be sent as a single pdf file to email: [email protected]

Or in written form to: Leibniz-Institut für Sonnenphysik (KIS), Schöneckstr.6, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany

 

For questions please contact

KIS Executive Director, Head of the department “Solar and Stellar Astrophysics”

Prof. Dr. Svetlana Berdyugina: [email protected]

 

General remarks

Full-time positions may generally be split up into two or more part-time positions, provided that there are no formal or legal barriers. Candidates will be selected in accordance with the provisions of the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz - German General Equal Treatment Act).

Applicants with disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have equal qualifications.