The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) offers the opportunity to set up a Max Planck Research Group in the field of Solar Physics to an outstanding young scientist.

MPS (www.mps.mpg.de/en) is the leading German research institute in the field of solar system science. Its three scientific departments are devoted to solar physics, planets and minor bodies, and the interior of the Sun and stars, respectively. The solar department has leading participations in high-profile solar space missions, is involved in several ground-based observational programs, has successfully flown the Sunrise balloon-borne observatory and provides outstanding opportunities for theoretical and numerical work. The research fields include dynamo processes, solar variability and climate, solar magnetic fields, physics of the photosphere, chromosphere, transition region, corona and solar wind, as well as stellar magnetism (further details can be found at www.mps.mpg.de/1762321/sonne).

The successful candidate is expected to pursue a research program that fits or complements the current topics of the department. He/she will be offered a Max Planck Research Group for a period of five years (with the possibility of an extension after successful evaluation pending availability of funding). This includes a W2 position equivalent to the associate professor level and a grant that covers postdoc and PhD student positions, a budget for travel, publication costs and other expendables and additional funds for equipment. For more information on Max Planck Research Groups please see www.mpg.de/max_planck_research_groups

The group will benefit from the institute’s excellent technical infrastructure, as well as from scientific exchange with existing research groups at the Institute and from a vibrant scientific atmosphere. The necessary administrative support will be provided.

The institute is located in Göttingen, Germany, a lively and scenic university town, in a well-equipped new building on the northern campus of the University, in the immediate vicinity of the Institute for Astrophysics of the University.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in physics, astrophysics or a closely related field. They should have an outstanding research record including the publication of significant research papers. The establishment of a competitive research program and application for third party funds are expected. The primary criterion for selection will be the proven ability to independently conduct internationally recognized research of high quality.

The position is aimed at talented junior scientists. Ideally, applicants should have obtained their doctorate a maximum of seven years ago, although exceptions are possible.

Applications including a CV, a publication list, a description of past research activities and a research plan for the group should be sent to pds@mps.mpg.de. In addition, applicants should arrange to have three letters of reference sent separately to Sami K. Solanki (solanki-office@mps.mpg.de). Review of applications will begin January 15, 2015 and continue until the position is filled.

The Max Planck Society is aiming to increase the percentage of women on its scientific staff and strongly encourages applications from qualified women. The Max Planck Society is also committed to employ more handicapped individuals and especially encourages them to apply.

For further information please contact Sami. K. Solanki (solanki@mps.mpg.de) or Johannes Stecker (stecker@mps.mpg.de).