PhD position in Extragalactic Astronomy, Galaxies and Cosmology Department, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg (Ref. 16-06)

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Monday, August 1, 2016
Archive Date: 
Monday, September 26, 2016
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Pre-doctoral/Graduate Positions
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
City: 
Heidelberg
State/Province: 
Country: 
Germany
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Galaxies and Cosmology department of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg invites candidates to apply for a PhD position in the field of extragalactic astronomy to be carried out under the supervision of Dr. Knud Jahnke. The successful applicant will analyse two valuable datasets from the Hubble Space Telescope and the Very Large Telescope to investigate which mechanisms are triggering the growth of supermassive black holes in galaxies. The specific goal is to answer the question of whether galaxy mergers play a dominating role for black hole growth in galaxies at redshifts z=0.2 and z=2.

Research will take place at the very stimulating academic enviroment of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany. MPIA is one of the leading astronomical institutions in Europe, with currently ~40 full-time faculty, ~55 post-docs, and ~50 PhD students. The associated course program takes place within the framework of the International Max Planck Research School in Heidelberg, in collaboration with the University of Heidelberg. PhD students from MPIA succeed exceptionally well in the international job market. More information about research at MPIA can be found at http://www.mpia.de/en.

The starting date can be as early as 1 October 2016, but a later starting date up to mid-2017 is subject to negotiation. The successful candidate must have a MSc degree (or equivalent) by the starting date. The program is nominally for four years, with a contract likely in the form of 3 initial years with a one year extension. PhD students at MPIA are paid as civil servants with a salary based on TVöD (wage agreement for the public service), 50% E 13. Medical, social security and pension benefits are paid in accordance with the provisions of the civil service.

Applications should be sent by email to [email protected]. A complete application includes a cover letter with preferred starting date, CV with list of publications, course record including grades from undergraduate and Master's courses (translated into English, if necessary), a summary of the Master's thesis, and a brief (1 page) statement of research interests and experience. Two letters of recommendation from scientists familiar with the applicant's work or studies should be sent to the same address. Incomplete applications can not be considered.

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.

All applications sent by 12 September 2016 will receive full consideration. Later applications will be considered until the position is filled. Applicants are invited to contact Dr. Jahnke with any questions. Please also visit http://www.mpia.de/coevolution/Main/Jobs for more background information about the project.

Included Benefits: 

MPIA offers benefits including paid vacation, sick leave, maternity and parental leave, medical insurance, social security, and retirement benefits.

Application Deadline: 
Monday, September 12, 2016
Current Status of Position: 
No Status Given (Opted Out)
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Knud Jahnke
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: 
00496221528398
FAX: 
00496221528339
Inquiries About Job