ERC Senior Scientist in Astrophysics and/or Geosciences of Exoplanets (6 years)

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 senior scientist who has expertise in the theory and simulation of planets (in the Solar System) and/or exoplanets (beyond the Solar System), including (but not limited to): radiative transfer, atmospheric chemistry (including photochemistry), geochemical outgassing or the geodynamics of planetary interiors.  Candidates who do not have expertise in exactly these areas but are willing to acquire them are also encouraged to apply.  

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), and will co-supervise Ph.D students working on various aspects of the Geoastronomy project.  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).

Generally, we are seeking an experienced colleague with an established track record of research to collaborate actively across the Munich, Budapest and Orleans nodes within the Geoastronomy project.  The Senior Scientist position is offered for 3+3 years, up to a total of 6 years.  There is ample funding for scientific computing, travel and publications.