ERC Postdoctoral Research Associate in JWST Observations of Exoplanet Atmospheres

The European Research Council (ERC) recently awarded a Synergy Grant worth 10 million euros to a mega-project named Geoastronomy, which aims to unify the principles of astrophysics and the geosciences towards understanding the chemistry and physics of rocky exoplanets.  The Geoastronomy project involves three research teams in Budapest (led by the planetary geochemist Steve Mojzsis), Munich (led by the astrophysicist Kevin Heng) and Orleans (led by the experimental petrologist Fabrice Gaillard).  It will kick off in April 2025 and build towards a network of about 30 researchers (senior scientists, postdocs and students).

Based at the Ludwig Maximilian University, one of Germany's top universities, the Munich node of the Geoastronomy project seeks a postdoctoral research associate who has expertise in using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to observe the atmospheres of exoplanets.  The ideal candidate has experience and expertise in data reduction, analysis and interpretation.  The exoplanet team at Munich is part of an international collaboration that competes for JWST time together.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant research team at the University of Munich that includes several senior scientists working on various aspects of exoplanet science (with a focus on the atmospheres of exoplanets).  The successful candidate is expected to participate in the teaching duties of the exoplanet sub-department (chair), but on a limited basis (~2 hours per week during the teaching semester).

The postdoctoral research associate position is offered for 3+3 years, up to a total of 6 years.  There is ample funding for scientific computing, travel and publications.