Postdoctoral Fellowship Positions in Planet & Star Formation (PSF)

The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg is seeking a dedicated and highly qualified postdoctoral researcher with observational or/and theoretical backgrounds to work in planet formation, astrochemistry and/or protoplanetary disk science. The Planet and Star Formation Department (https://www.mpia.de/en/psf) at MPIA is pursuing a wide range of astrophysical research, encompassing large observing programs in planet and star formation as well as exoplanet search, instrumentation development, theoretical modeling, and laboratory astrophysics.  A number of exciting research opportunities are available at MPIA. MPIA astronomers have preferential access to the Very Large Telescope (VLT), the 2.2m MPG telescope on La Silla, the IRAM facilities and the APEX sub-millimeter telescope in Chile. MPIA is part of the VLT/SPHERE, VLTI/MATISSE, VLTI/GRAVITY and JWST/MIRI consortia and is strongly involved in the design and preparation for ELT instruments MICADO and METIS.

Your Tasks:
Postdoctoral researchers are expected to participate in ongoing research projects and to develop independent research related to planet formation, astrochemistry and/or protoplanetary disk science in the broad framework of  research in the Planet and Star Formation Department.

Your profile:
Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, chemistry or a closely related field.

Our offer:
Appointments are anticipated for an initial period of three years. The remuneration is based on the German collective wage agreement for the public sector (TVöD) depending on qualification and experience in level E14. Social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service. There is flexibility in starting dates, with preference for starting dates after mid-2026.