Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position focused on the development of advanced computational and statistical methods for Galactic cartography within the framework of the Milky Way Atlas (MW-Atlas) project, an ERC-funded research program.

The project is jointly led by Torsten Enßlin (MPA, Garching), Philipp Mertsch (RWTH Aachen University), and Vasiliki Pavlidou (IA-FORTH, Heraklion).

This position centers on methodological and infrastructure development at the interface of astrophysics, information theory, and scientific computing.

Project Description

The successful candidate will work on the development of a Gaussian Process regression framework on graphs and its integration into:

• the Numerical Information Field Theory (NIFTy) package, and
• the broader MW-Atlas computational infrastructure

The goal is to enable scalable, information-theoretically consistent inference of Galactic structure from heterogeneous and large-scale astrophysical data sets. The project involves close collaboration between experts in Information Field Theory, numerical inference, and Galactic cartography.

Key Responsibilities

• Development and implementation of Gaussian Process regression methods defined on graph-based domains
• Integration of these methods into the NIFTy framework
• Contribution to the design and maintenance of the MW-Atlas compute infrastructure
• Collaboration with international project partners on methodological and scientific applications
• Documentation and dissemination of methods and results in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences

Required Qualifications

• A PhD in astrophysics, physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field
• Extensive experience with Information Field Theory (IFT)
• Strong practical expertise with Numerical Information Field Theory (NIFTy)
• Background in Galactic cartography and large-scale structure inference
• Excellent programming skills (Python and scientific computing environments expected)
• Experience with high-performance or distributed computing is an advantage
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment

Working Environment and Mobility

The position is embedded in a collaborative international research network. The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research at all three partner institutions during the course of the project:

• Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics (MPA)
• RWTH Aachen University
• FORTH (Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas)

The distribution of time across institutions will be coordinated within the collaboration and aligned with the scientific goals of the project. Partial remote work is possible, depending on project phase and institutional regulations.

Start Date

The position is available as soon as possible. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Application Instructions

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file online and should include:

• A cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience
• A CV including publication list
• A brief statement of past and current research

Reference letters will be requested at a later stage of the selection process. All questions regarding the positions may be directed to positions@mw-atlas.eu.

Applications received by February 28, 2026, will receive full consideration. Later applications will be reviewed until all positions are filled.

MPA, RWTH Aachen University, and IA-FORTH are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourage applications from such qualified individuals.

Furthermore, we seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to apply.

MPA, RWTH Aachen University, and IA-FORTH also wish to increase diversity and equality of opportunity in all respects and welcome applications without regard to factors such as nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.