PhD position on Exploring Supernova Remnants in eROSITA and Multiwavelength Data (m/f/d)

The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching is a world leader in the field of ground-based and space-based experimental astronomy with its research areas Infrared and Submillimeter Astronomy, High-Energy Astronomy, Optical Astronomy, and Astrochemistry.

The High-Energy Group of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics invites applications from talented, ambitious graduating PhD students for a

PhD position on Exploring Supernova Remnants in eROSITA and Multiwavelength Data (m/f/d)

Job Code: 16/2025

The PhD project is in the field of exploring stellar endpoints, e.g., supernova remnants and neutron stars. Successful candidates shall make use of various data from current radio, optical, and high-energy observatories(e.g., ASKAP, MeerKAT, XMM-Newton, Chandra, JWST, etc.), take an active part in the preparation of observing proposals for the current optical, radio, and high-energy observatories and ideally be familiar with the standard data analysis tools.

Identified radio supernova remnants (SNRs) in the Galaxy comprise an incomplete sample of the SNR population due to various selection effects. ROSAT performed the first All-Sky Survey (RASS) with an imaging X-ray telescope and thus provided another window for finding SNRs and compact objects that may reside within them. eROSITA (extended ROentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array) is the core instrument of the Russian Spektrum-Roentgen-Gamma (SRG) mission, which was launched in December 2019 and observed the X-ray sky in somewhat more than four consecutive all-sky surveys. eROSITA has an XMM-Newton-type sensitivity but an unlimited field of view in its survey mode. This makes the instrument and its X-ray data unique, especially when searching for new supernova remnants and exploring extended objects with faint surface brightness.

We are looking for highly qualified and highly motivated candidates with a 5-year Master's degree in physics or astrophysics with at least a grade of 'good'. Experience in programming in C, C++, Python, or IDL (or any equivalent) is desirable, as well as experience in the analysis of imaging radio data.

The full-time PhD position is initially for three years, and PhD students will participate in the IMPRS program. Salaries will be paid at German civil service rates (TVöD-Bund, 65% of E13).

The position is part of the eROSTEP program, funded by the German Science Foundation. The PhD position will be supervised by Prof. Werner Becker at MPE Garching.

Our Offer:

• A versatile, challenging and autonomous job in a dynamic and culturally stimulating international research environment in the development of satellite instrumentation.
• Interdisciplinary work in a team of experienced engineers and physicists.
• Needs-oriented training opportunities.
• Fair payment according to your qualifications and professional experience in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD).
• Company pension scheme (VBL).
• Private accident insurance financed by the employer.
• Reduced rates for certain insurance policies.
• Family service at the Garching research campus.
• Underground station U6 directly in front of the institute.
• Free parking on the institute grounds.
• Canteen in the immediate vicinity.

Your application:

Applicants should submit their documents (in English, and in PDF form) via our application portal online by 14th September 2025 (https://recruitingapp-5257.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/665/Application/CheckLogin/2?lang=eng ), including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a brief (~1 page) description of research interests and two letters of recommendation.

Late applications will be accepted until the post is filled, though all applications will be screened shortly after submission.

Informal enquiries about the position may be addressed to Prof. Dr. Werner Becker ([email protected]).

MPE is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome all applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity. Family-friendly working conditions are a matter for us.

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.