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Postdoc positions in stellar-exoplanetary science (m/f/d)

Applications are invited for two postdoctoral positions in the research group of Prof. Dr. Katja Poppenhäger at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP).

The research topic for these positions is the atmospheric mass loss and high-energy environment of exoplanets. While the overall research goals of these positions are defined as below, there will be sufficient flexibility for the successful applicants to incorporate their own scientific ideas.

Position 1 will deal with X-ray spectroscopy of exoplanet host stars and other cool stars, both at high and low spectral resolution with different instruments. The goal is a detailed characterization of stellar coronal plasma properties and their influence on the exoplanetary environment and atmosphere. For this position, previous experience with X-ray spectroscopy is desirable.

Position 2 will deal mainly with ground-based spectroscopy of exoplanet transits, including observations of the metastable helium triplet, as well as magnetic activity monitoring of exoplanet host stars. For this position, previous experience with exoplanet transmission spectroscopy and/or stellar spectroscopy is desirable.

The successful applicants will be embedded in a lively and diverse research group that investigates a mix of stellar and exoplanetary research topics. The contract duration for each position is three years, with a possible extension by up to two years each depending on successful performance and the availability of funding. The start date is negotiable, but expected to be in the timeframe from summer 2025 to winter of 2025/2026. The positions will include generous travel support. The successful candidates must have a doctoral degree in Astronomy, Astrophysics or a related field at the time of starting the position. If you have not obtained your doctoral degree yet, please submit relevant information as to when your degree completion can be expected. Salary and benefits are based on the collective agreement for civil service employees of the Federal States, at 100% of a TV-L E13 full-time position. The positions also provide social benefits including health insurance, pension contributions, parental leave as well as a subsidy for a so-called “job ticket” (i.e. for commuters).

To apply for these positions, please submit a cover letter explaining your motivation and which of the positions you wish to be considered for, a curriculum vitae, publication list, a three-page description of your research interests and previous work, a copy of your doctoral degree (if completed), plus the names and contact details of three potential reference letter writers. It is not required to submit letters of reference at this stage; letter writers will be contacted at a later stage in the selection process.

We particularly value diversity and we 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.

Applications received by Dec. 31 2024 will receive full consideration.

In case of questions about the scientific context, please contact Prof. Poppenhäger at:
bewerbung-2024-14@aip.de.
For procedural questions, please contact Prof. Poppenhäger’s assistant Katrin Böhrs at:
kboehrs@aip.de

Apply for the job: Application Start