Postdoctoral Research Position in the “Galaxies and Cosmology” Theory Group at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Ref. No. 16-05

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Friday, July 1, 2016
Archive Date: 
Friday, July 29, 2016
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Other
Institution/Company: 
Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
City: 
Heidelberg
State/Province: 
Country: 
Germany
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany, is seeking candidates to fill a postdoctoral research position in the independent Research Group “Galaxies and Cosmology” led by Dr. Annalisa Pillepich.

This is a newly established theory group working in the fields of computational astrophysics and cosmology; structure, evolution and clustering of galaxies and galaxy clusters; cosmic large- scale structure, and physical cosmology (more information at: http://www.mpia.de/gc-theory). Close collaboration is anticipated with Arepo/Illustris team members at the Heidelberg Institute of Theoretical Studies, as well as with observational groups at the MPIA and University of Heidelberg.

The successful candidate is expected to carry out research based on numerical work in order to model and understand the formation and evolution of galaxies in a cosmological framework, and to advance the interpretation of observational data. Previous experience in performing hydrodynamical cosmological simulations, in analyzing large data sets, in writing/modifying multi-purpose codes like Arepo, and/or in galaxy formation modeling in general is desired. Applications by candidates with research interests in the following areas are particularly encouraged: Milky Way’s structure and assembly, near-field Cosmology, stellar haloes and intracluster-light, galaxy clusters and the physics of the intra cluster medium, galaxy evolution in diverse environments, modeling of star formation and feedback.

The postdocs will have direct access to a computing cluster dedicated to the theory group at MPIA as well as to other supercomputer facilities in Germany e.g. at the Rechenzentrum in Garching, in order to run simulations and to analyze already-existing large cosmological simulated volumes, like the Illustris Simulation and its upcoming new implementations. At present, the MPIA Galaxies and Cosmology department is pursuing a wide range of astrophysical research projects. It is involved in several large optical surveys including PanSTARRS, SDSS IV, and Gaia as well radio observation programs of galaxies near and far using the VLA and ALMA. The institute also has privileged access to several other observatories.

Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field. The appointment will be for an initial period of two years with a likely extension to a total of three years. The MPIA offers a stimulating work environment, and provides funds for computing, publications, travel, etc. The salary is based on TVöD depending on qualifications and experience up to salary group 13 or 14. Social benefits are paid in accordance with the provisions of the civil service. The starting date is expected to be in the Fall of 2016, but different dates are possible upon agreement.

To receive full consideration, interested candidates should send a curriculum vitae, publication list, and a brief statement of research interest by August 1st, 2016, and arrange for three letters of reference to be provided separately by the same date.

All application material and references letters need to be sent to the following email address: [email protected]

For scientific and submission enquiries please contact:
Annalisa Pillepich 
[email protected]
Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Koenigstuhl 17, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women, disabled people and minority groups are particularly welcome. The MPIA supports its employees in their search for suitable child care.

Included Benefits: 

Social benefits are paid in accordance with the provisions of the civil service.

Application Deadline: 
Monday, August 1, 2016
Current Status of Position: 
No Status Given (Opted Out)
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Annalisa Pillepich
Title: 
Dr.
Institution/Company: 
Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
Street Line 1: 
Koenigstuhl 17
Street Line 2: 
City: 
Heidelberg
State/Province: 
Zip/Postal Code: 
69117
Country: 
Germany
Phone: 
+4962215282395
FAX: 
+496221528339
Inquiries About Job