Postdoctoral positions in Observational Cosmology in the ERC Funded Project “DarkQuest”

Postdoctoral positions in Observational Cosmology in the ERC Funded Project “DarkQuest”

Job ID: 16/2024

The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) 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, led by Prof. K. Nandra, carries out major space hardware programs, including the development of X-ray detectors and X-ray optics, in support of its astrophysics research program.

MPE invites applications for a postdoctoral position to work in the European Research Council (ERC) funded project "DarkQuest: Shedding Light on the Nature of Dark Matter and Dark Energy with Multi-Wavelength All-Sky Surveys” led by Dr. Esra Bulbul. The eROSITA X-ray telescope, developed by MPE, has performed the largest galaxy cluster survey to date and will deliver a catalog of >60,000 clusters of galaxies and galaxy groups based on the first two years of its all-sky survey. The overarching goal of the eROSITA cluster survey and the ERC project is to constrain the cosmological parameters using observations of clusters of galaxies, together with complementary multi-wavelength data. 

Successful candidates will work on the exploitation of the eROSITA-selected clusters of galaxies in the areas of observational cosmology and astrophysics. The postdoctoral researcher will join the young and dynamic clusters and cosmology group at MPE and benefit from membership in the eROSITA, Euclid, SPT, SDSS, 4MOST, and Rubin collaborations.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in physics, astronomy, or a related field by the appointment date. The successful candidate will have a track record demonstrating research expertise related to clusters of galaxies and/or cosmology. Experience with X-ray observations would be desirable, but candidates with multi-wavelength and theory and simulations expertise are also encouraged to apply. Appointments will initially be for 2 years, with the possibility of further extension depending on funding availability. Funding for travel, computing, and publication expenses will be provided. The salary and social benefits are based on the German TVöD scale for public employees, depending on experience.

Applicants should submit their documents (in English and in PDF form) online (https://recruitingapp-5257.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/612/Application/CheckLogin/2?lang=eng), including a CV, a list of publications, and a brief (~2 pages) description of research interests. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but review of applications will begin by November 15, 2024. The names of three referees should be provided, who can provide letters of recommendation upon request.

Prospective applicants can contact Dr. E. Bulbul for further information (email: [email protected]).

For details about MPE or the High-Energy-Group, see http://www.mpe.mpg.de/index or http://www.mpe.mpg.de/214514/heg/ .

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.