We are seeking to fill one postdoctoral position as part of the Simons Collaboration on Learning the Universe.

In this international network, scientists based at Columbia University, the Flatiron Institute, Stockholm University, the Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, the Unversite de Montreal, Princeton University, Harvard University, Carnegie Mellon University, the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, and further institutions, have embarked on an ambitious program to improve our constraints on the initial conditions of the Universe based on a combination of novel simulation techniques, Bayesian statistical methods and machine learning approaches.

The successful candidate will work closely with Prof. Dr. Volker Springel, the director of the department of Computational Astrophysics at MPA. The intended research projects include, but are not limited to, the development, implementation, and use of new simulation methods that allow more accurate and faster predictions for galaxy formation and related observables such as secondary CMB anisotropies.  Some of the addressed science topics include:

• Improving the physical fidelity of subgrid models in simulations, in particular for feedback processes
• Creation of new reference cosmological simulation models of galaxy formation
• Quantification of modelling uncertainties in simulation predictions

Within these areas, we seek to fill one postdoctoral position intended for a promising young scientist who completed the PhD within the last six years. The term of employment is for three years, with a starting time in the fall of 2025. The position is funded by the Simons Foundation, and the appointed candidate is expected to closely collaborate with the other scientists in the Learning the Universe Collaboration, and to participate in joint research activities like regular annual meetings in New York, regular collaboration meetings at the different participating institutions, and team telecons.

Salaries are paid at German civil service rates (the gross annual pre-tax income includes a special annual payment and depends on prior post-doctoral experience). The position comes with a 30 days holiday entitlement, social security insurance (e.g. health insurance), and social benefits according to local regulations for public service.

The MPA is a major German institution dedicated to theoretical, computational, and interpretational research in astrophysics and cosmology. We are situated north of Munich on a research campus which hosts the largest European concentration of astronomers. The campus is directly connected to central Munich by subway. The Institute offers a vibrant research community, runs a vigorous visitor program and is housed in an attractive, specially designed building with excellent infrastructure, including powerful MPA-owned parallel computing clusters. It has also privileged access to supercomputers at the Max Planck Computing and Data Facility.

Interested scientists are invited to apply electronically. 

Candidates should upload a full curriculum vitae, a publication list, and a summary of current research interests with a statement of how they anticipate their research to mesh with the research goals of the Learning the Universe Collaboration by January 6, 2025.

The candidates should also arrange for three confidential reference letters to be uploaded on the same site by the same date.

The MPA is actively committed to equal opportunity in employment and wishes to increase diversity and equality of opportunity in all respects. MPA welcomes applications without regard to factors such as nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.

Application Details

Publication Start Date: 2024 Nov 28

Application Deadline:   2025 Jan 06

Inquiries

Name: Volker Springel