The Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR) is the leading radio astronomical institute in Germany. It operates the APEX submm telescope in Chile, the 100-m radio telescope in Effelsberg, the LOFAR DE1 station, a state-of-the-art VLBI correlator, and radio/submm instrument technology laboratories. MPIfR is also a partner in MeerKAT and leads the German SKA efforts. In addition, the Max Planck Society is a major partner in IRAM which operates the 30m telescope and the NOEMA interferometer. Between MPIfR and the neighbouring universities, the Bonn/Cologne area is a major hub of research activity with a particular focus on (sub)mm/radio astronomy and the study of star formation, from the Milky Way to the distant Universe.
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION (m/w/d) IN SUBMILLIMETER SCIENCE AND TECHNIQUES
The MPIfR is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join the research department of Prof. Amélie Saintonge, whose focus is on the study of star formation and galaxy evolution, using multi-wavelength observations to connect the baryon cycle, the physics and chemistry of the interstellar medium, and the drivers of star formation and feedback across all environments and scales.
We are inviting applications from researchers with relevant scientific interests, qualifications and skills to fill a postdoctoral position in support of the department’s efforts in submillimeter science with the APEX telescope. The position is part-funded by the Horizon Europe project "Consolidating plans for the Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST)“. Half of the time will be spent engaging with the AtLAST design study, in particular through prototyping and testing of technologies and observing methods on APEX and related scientific analyses. The rest of the time will be for independent research in star formation, interstellar medium, or galaxy evolution science with submillimeter instruments, taking advantage of key facilities APEX and IRAM.
Your tasks
The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific and technical background in submm science. All group members are encouraged to lead PI proposals on any of the MPIfR-led or ESO facilities, and are supported to engage with external collaborations. The department strives to foster a supportive and collaborative work environment. Therefore, in addition to their own research and the involvement with the AtLAST consortium, the successful candidates will be expected to actively engage and collaborate with other group members on projects of joint interest. The International Max Planck Research School for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IMPRS) also offers the opportunity for joint research with PhD students and their supervision.
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter (including the contact details of three people who may be contacted for references), their curriculum vitae, list of publications, and a research statement (maximum 3 pages) connecting past research and accomplishments with the aims of this position.
Please submit your application by 21.11.2025 at
https://jobs.b-ite.com/en/jobposting/a0e5ae0a3cd8a67d2f386d789943aeba7ca026350/apply
