Postdoctoral Positions (m/f/d) | ISM Physics and Star Formation

Job Code: 395

Job Offer from June 26, 2025

The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg invites applications for up to three postdoctoral position to work on topics related to ISM physics, star formation and stellar feedback on small (<100pc) spatial scales in nearby galaxies in the “Extragalactic Star Formation” group led by Dr. Eva Schinnerer. The offered positions are funded by a grant from the German Space Agency (DLR) and by an ERC Advanced Grant (eCMZs) for the study of interstellar medium and star formation properties and physics in the centers of nearby galaxies. The analysis will make use of new ALMA, JWST, and HST observations and will be done in the context of the PHANGS collaboration.

The successful candidates will work on characterizing and understanding the properties of (a) (young) stellar clusters, (b) molecular gas and dust, or (c) star-forming sites (e.g. HII regions) in gas-rich galaxy centers. The work will encompass all aspects from data reduction to their in-depth analysis using existing or newly to-be-developed tools. Further there will be opportunities to carry out research within the PHANGS collaboration exploiting all available datasets from ALMA, HST, JWST, VLT/MUSE and more instruments. Depending on the exact position, candidates with prior experience in handling ALMA, HST and/or JWST imaging data, molecular gas (structure) analysis, (stellar) spectral energy distribution fitting, star-forming regions/nebulae analysis, photometry, region morphology and/or catalog generation are in particular encouraged to apply.

Applicants (m/f/d) should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field. The positions should be ideally starting in October 2025. The appointments will be for a period of three years.

MPIA researchers have privileged access to the 2.2m MPG telescope on La Silla, the Calar Alto 2.2m telescope, and the IRAM millimeter facilities, including the NOEMA interferometer. MPIA astronomers make frequent use of all ESO facilities, including the VLT and ALMA, and all are encouraged to lead proposals as Principal Investigators. MPIA also offers access to a range of local computing clusters and external super-computing resources (e.g., at the MPCDF ). The institute leads or is involved in many large science collaborations and surveys, including SDSS-V, Euclid, 4MOST, VRO/LSST, JWST, and MeerKAT + JVLA programs. MPIA also plays a leading role in the data analysis for Gaia and instrumentation for the ELT.

MPIA aims to provide a stimulating and supportive work environment, and the successful candidate can draw on funds for publications, computing, travel, training, etc. Remuneration will be on the German public sector scale, and depends in detail on qualification and experience. Extensive social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, brief statement of research interests and achievements (max. 3 pages), curriculum vitae, and publication list in a single pdf file to schinnerer@mpia.de . Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of reference separately sent to the above email address. Applications submitted by July 27, 2025 will receive full consideration. For further information please contact Dr. Eva Schinnerer (schinnerer@mpia.de ).

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women, and all other historically under-represented groups, to apply. The MPIA supports its employees in the search for suitable child care. For questions concerning promoting equal opportunity for all employees and prospective employees at MPIA, please contact our equal opportunity officers (equality@mpia.de ). Regarding disability guidelines and regulations, please contact Ralf Launhardt (rl@mpia.de ).