The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching (Bavaria/Germany) is a world-leading institute in space- and ground-based experimental astrophysics, with leading roles in a number of large astronomical projects.

The high-energy group carries out major space hardware programs, including the development of X-ray detectors and X-ray optics. The group has contributed significantly to Chandra and XMM–Newton and has led the development of the eROSITA X-ray telescope, launched in 2019 aboard the SRG mission, and currently in its science operations phase. MPE is also a leading institute in ESA L2 Athena X-ray observatory, due for launch around 2032. We are also involved in a number of ground-based projects, such as GROND, SDSS-IV and -V, VISTA/4MOST, VRO/LSST, mostly in support of our space programs. For further details about MPE or the High-Energy group see http://www.mpe.mpg.de/214514/heg.

Applications are invited for one or more postdoctoral positions in the High-Energy astrophysics group of the Max-Planck-Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching, led by Prof. K. Nandra. The appointment will be for 2 years, with the possibility of extension to 3 years. Applicants must have Ph.D. in astronomy or astrophysics, or expect to obtain their Ph.D. in the near future.

The successful candidate will be expected to undertake a program of research in one of the following areas of research of the high-energy group: accreting compact objects (black hole and neutron star binaries, accretion processes around supermassive black holes), high-energy transients and/or supermassive black hole evolution via X-ray and optical spectroscopic AGN surveys. The research program should be mainly focused on the exploitation of the eROSITA all-sky survey data and their multi-wavelength follow-up. Experience relevant to the research of the MPE High-Energy group is essential. Familiarity with X-ray data analysis and/or interpretation would be desirable.

Salaries will be paid at German civil service rates (TVöD-Bund) depending on postdoctoral experience.

Applicants should submit their documents (in English, and in PDF form) via our application portal online (https://recruitingapp-5257.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/461/Application/CheckLogin/2?lang=eng ), by November 30, 2021, including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a brief (~1 page) description of research interests and the names of three referees that can provide letters of reference upon request. Informal enquiries about the position may be addressed to Dr. Andrea Merloni (am@mpe.mpg.de).

More opportunities within the MPE High-Energy Astrophysics group, focused on observational cosmology, are available here: www.mpe.mpg.de/7756328/job_full_offer_17636820?c=247046.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.