Doctoral candidate (m/f/d) in Stellar Populations
Scientists at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) work on a variety of astrophysical topics covering the full range from solar physics to cosmology. Key aspects are cosmic magnetic fields and extragalactic astrophysics supported by a large technology team on spectroscopy, robotics, and e-science. The AIP is located in the beautiful Potsdam/Babelsberg area, at the South-western border of the Berlin metropolitan area. It continues the tradition of the Astrophysical Observatory Potsdam and the Berlin Observatory (founded in 1700) and has more than 200 employees.
To strengthen the Dwarf galaxies and Galactic halo research section, we are looking for
a Doctoral candidate (m/f/d) in Stellar Populations.
The successful applicant will work with Prof. Dr Maria-Rosa Cioni and Prof. Mathias Schultheis (Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur – OCA, France) on a study of the Clouds in the “Middle Ages”, a project funded by a DFG grant with number 550131653. The OCA is located in Nice and covers a wide range of topics from the solar system to cosmology, gravitational waves and geophysics. Prof. Schultheis is part of the Galaxies/cosmology group where the research activities cover the Milky Way, the local Universe, galaxy clusters up to cosmology.
The project is about quantifying and tracing the kinematical and chemical signatures from asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars across the Clouds with respect to the star formation and dynamical events that played a major role in the evolution of the galaxies. The analysis will focus on a comprehensive set of high-resolution spectra of AGB stars from APOGEE, 4MOST and MOONS facilities. A particular aspect is the analysis of both visible and near-infrared spectra to obtain line-of-sight velocities, stellar parameters and elemental abundances through the development of a pipeline. Good programming skills and basic astrophysical background are required whereas experience in spectroscopic analysis is desirable, but not necessary.
The contract duration is four years and the start date is negotiable, but expected to be in the time frame from June to December 2025. The position will include travel support and yearly stays at the OCA. The successful candidate must have a Master degree or equivalent in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field at the time of starting the position. If you have not obtained your Master 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 66% of a TV-L E13 full-time position. The position also provides social benefits including health insurance, pension contributions, parental leave as well as other benefits.
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter explaining your motivation, a curriculum vitae, a two-page description of your previous research work, a copy of your Master’s degree (if completed) and a transcript of grades, plus the names and contact details of two 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. Please use the AIP job Application Portal to submit your application: https://jobs.aip.de/rec026.
We particularly value diversity and 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 28th February 2025 will receive full consideration.
In case of questions, please contact Prof. Dr Cioni at: bewerbung-2024-16@aip.de.