Doctoral candidate (m/f/d) in Stellar Populations

Applications are invited for a PhD position in the research group of Prof. Dr Maria-Rosa Cioni at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) and in collaboration with Prof. Mathias Schultheis from the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur (OCA).

The student will be based at the AIP where scientists work on a variety of astrophysical topics covering the full range from solar physics to cosmology. The AIP is located in the beautiful Potsdam/Babelsberg area, at the South-western border of the Berlin metropolitan area. It continues the tradition of the Astrophysical Observatory Potsdam and the Berlin Observatory (founded in 1700) and has more than 200 employees. The student will visit regularly the OCA, which is located in Nice on the wonderful southern coast of France, where science also covers a wide range of topics.

The project is about quantifying and tracing the kinematical and chemical signatures from asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars across the Clouds with respect to the star formation and dynamical events that played a major role in the evolution of the galaxies. The analysis will focus on a comprehensive set of high-resolution spectra of AGB stars from APOGEE, 4MOST and MOONS facilities. A particular aspect is the analysis of both visible and near-infrared spectra to obtain line-of-sight velocities, stellar parameters and elemental abundances through the development of a pipeline. Good programming skills and basic astrophysical background are required whereas experience in spectroscopic analysis is desirable, but not necessary.

The contract duration is four years and the start date is negotiable, but expected to be in the time frame from June to December 2025. The position will include travel support and yearly stays at the OCA. The successful candidate must have a Master degree or equivalent in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field at the time of starting the position.

We particularly value diversity and encourage applications from women. People with disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified. The AIP values and promotes a respectful and tolerant working atmosphere and has adopted a Code of Conduct to that end. Your application documents will be kept for at least three months after completion of the appointment process.