Contact: jobs-gw-han[AT]aei.mpg.deLocation: Hannover, Germany
The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute, or AEI) in Hannover (Germany) invites applications for postdoctoral and senior scientific positions in gravitational-wave physics. Initial appointments for postdocs are for two years with the possibility of a one year extension in cases of good performance. Longer-term appointments for more senior scientists are also possible. Starting dates are negotiable but should not be later than late summer 2023.
Successful candidates will join the Department of Observational Relativity and Cosmology, led by Prof. Bruce Allen. The group has a long track record of significant scientific advances which were enabled via the development of new data analysis methods, techniques and technology. Current activities include searches for gravitational wave sources in data from ground-based instruments, and for new radio and gamma ray neutron stars in data from a variety both earth- and space-based telescopes. We collaborate closely with the Independent Research Group led by Prof. Maria Alessandra Papa, working on searches for continuous gravitational waves.
We are a welcoming, enthusiastic working environment with diverse research interests. The working language of the group is English, but we provide free German language courses if you are interested.
The group has outstanding data analysis and computing resources, including the Atlas computer cluster at AEI Hannover (53,000 physical CPU cores, 2,400 GPUs, and 22 PB of disk-based storage) and the Einstein@Home volunteer distributed computing project (about a factor of ten more).
We are particularly interested in applicants with a background in either (1) the analysis and interpretation of data from pulsar timing arrays, or (2) the use of quantum computing to perform optimal matched filtering on classical data with many templates. However, we are open to all scientists with a strong gravitational-wave and/or data-analysis/astrophysics background. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to start new projects with group members and to collaborate internationally. Funds are available for travel and other research costs.
Hannover is the capital city of the state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) in Germany, and is an important commercial center with a culture rich in arts and music. It has an excellent public transportation system and very reasonable living costs compared with many other large cities. The AEI is located on the campus of Leibniz University Hannover, not far from downtown.
Applications should include a CV, a one to two page statement covering research interests and plans, and a publication list. Please identify your three most significant publications, and, if you are not the lead author, briefly describe your contributions.
These materials should be sent to jobs-gw-han[AT]aei.mpg.de by December 20, 2022. Candidates should also arrange for at least two but if possible three letters of reference to be sent to the same address by that date.
The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. The AEI and the Max Planck Society welcome persons with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity (Code of Conduct: https://www.aei.mpg.de/450712/code-of-conduct.pdf).
The institute promotes a healthy work-life balance by offering all employees a family support service, cooperation with an on-campus international kindergarten, and access to a multi-function room that may be used for child care.