Postdoctoral position in High-Energy Astrophysics (xmm2athena)

The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) works on a variety of astrophysical topics covering the full range from solar physics to cosmology. Key aspects are cosmic magnetic fields and extragalactic astrophysics, supported by a large technology branch on spectroscopy, robotics, and e-science. It is located in the beautiful Potsdam/Babelsberg area, at the South-western border of the Berlin metropolitan area. The AIP continues the tradition of the Astrophysical Observatory Potsdam and the Berlin Observatory (founded 1700) and has about 200 employees.

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral position (m/f/d) to participate in the EU-funded project H2020 – SPACE – XMM2ATHENA

XMM2ATHENA is a collaboration of 9 European institutes including members of the XMM-Newton and the Athena Science ground segments. The goal of the project is to develop new, innovative methods to maximize the return from the current X-ray observatory XMM-Newton and prepare for the forthcoming X-ray mission Athena.

The post-doc at the AIP will lead efforts to develop software for the creation of a catalog of stacked images to reach ultimate sensitivity and allow for multi-epoch timing studies in XMM-Newton data. The successful applicant will contribute to other work packages and is expected to actively take part in the scientific exploitation of the new resources. The post-doc needs good programming skills. Experience in high energy astrophysics and a focus on galactic compact objects are beneficial. The AIP is one of the core-institutes of eROSITA with unconstrained data access, it is also full member in SDSS5.

The applicant is expected to have a PhD in Physics or Astronomy. The appointment will be for up to 36 months with a start date April 1, 2021, or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary is based on the German public service scale (TV-L E13) and the applicant’s previous experience. The position includes travel and computing support. Employer contributions to medical and dental insurance, parental leave, retirement benefits and the public transport system (job ticket) are included. The AIP is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity and particularly encourages women and members of other underrepresented groups to apply. 

Applications received by January 17, 2021 will receive full consideration, but late applications will be considered.

Applicants should send their documents as a single PDF file containing a cover letter, statement of past experiences (max. 2 pages), curriculum vitae, and publication list to [email protected]. Applicants should also arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent to the given address by the same date.