Call for a Research Position in High Energy Astrophysics (m/f/d) Topic: Gamma-Ray Sky Reconstruction for the Milky Way Atlas

Call for a Research Position in High Energy Astrophysics (m/f/d)
Topic: Gamma-Ray Sky Reconstruction for the Milky Way Atlas

Job ID: 03/2026

Applications are invited for a 6-month, part-time research position focused on the reconstruction of the gamma-ray sky using data from Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope within the framework of the Milky Way Atlas (MW-Atlas) project, an ERC-funded research program.

The project is jointly led by Torsten Enßlin (MPA, Garching), Philipp Mertsch (RWTH Aachen University), and Vasiliki Pavlidou (IA-FORTH, Heraklion).

Project Description

The successful candidate will work on the reconstruction and cartography of the gamma-ray sky using advanced computational and statistical methods. The project involves:

• Analysis of Fermi satellite data,
• Application of the Numerical Information Field Theory (NIFTy) package,
• Achieving highest spatial and spectral resolution
• Investigation of time-variable gamma-ray sources (if feasible)

The goal is to produce a high-resolution, information-theoretically consistent model of the gamma-ray sky, incorporating both static and, where feasible, time-variable sources. The project involves close collaboration between experts in Information Field Theory, numerical inference, and Galactic cartography.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• Documented experience in applied information field theory
• Documented experience in Galactic cartography
• Knowledge in high-energy astrophysics
• Extensive experience with Information Field Theory (IFT)
• Strong practical expertise with Numerical Information Field Theory (NIFTy)
• Excellent programming skills (Python and scientific computing environments expected)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment

Working Environment and Mobility

The position is based at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics (MPA) in Garching. The successful candidate will work at the MPA for the full duration of the six-month project and will be embedded in the MW-Atlas research environment.

The project will involve close interaction with researchers working in Information Field Theory, Numerical Information Field Theory, Galactic cartography, and high-energy astrophysical inference.

Start Date

The position is expected to start on October 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

MPA, RWTH Aachen University, and IA-FORTH are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Furthermore, we seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

MPA, RWTH Aachen University, and IA-FORTH also wish to increase diversity and equality of opportunity in all respects and welcomes applications without regard to factors such as nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.