The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in solar and stellar physics. The successful candidate will join the recently established SOLVe group (http://www2.mps.mpg.de/projects/solve/) funded by an ERC Starting Grant and led by Alexander Shapiro. The group utilises state-of-the-art MHD and radiative transfer codes to extend physics-based models of solar brightness variations from the Sun to other stars. Building on the solar paradigm the group aims at explaining rich patterns of stellar brightness variations observed by the Kepler and CoRoT missions and at improving techniques for detecting and characterizing exoplanets.
The SOLVe group resides in the solar department of the MPS, one of the largest groups in solar physics worldwide with ample experience in MHD simulations and radiative transfer as well as with leading participations in many major solar space missions. The institute is located in Göttingen (Germany), a lively and scenic university town, in a striking new building.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in physics with focus on solar/stellar physics, astronomy, astrophysics or a closely related field. They should have an outstanding research record and experience in solar or stellar physics. Experience in MHD simulations and/or numerical radiative transfer modeling and/or analysis of stellar spectral and photometric data is of particular advantage.
The starting date is negotiable and the position is offered for an initial period of two years. Salary will be according to grade E13 of the TVöD scale of the German public services. Applications, including a CV, a short description of past research activities (max. 3 pages), and a publication list should be sent as one pdf file to pds@mps.mpg.de. In addition, applicants should arrange to have two letters of reference sent separately to the same address. Review of applications will begin February 15, 2018 and continue until the position is filled.
The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from women. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more handicapped individuals and especially encourages them to apply.
For further information please contact Alexander Shapiro (shapiroa at mps.mpg.de) or Johannes Stecker (stecker at mps.mpg.de).