Postdoctoral Position(s) (m/f/d) | High-Energy Astrophysics

The High-Energy Astrophysics Group at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), led by Prof. Kirpal Nandra, invites applications for one or more postdoctoral positions. The successful candidate(s) will carry out research in one of the group’s core areas:

• Observational cosmology and astrophysics: cosmological constraints from cluster surveys, galaxy group and cluster astrophysics, large-scale structure and cosmic web, 4MOST follow-up
• Supermassive black hole evolution: evolution of active galactic nuclei and their host galaxies across cosmic time, using eROSITA surveys with SDSS-V and 4MOST follow-up
• Accreting compact objects: X-ray binaries, cataclysmic variables and ultraluminous X-ray sources, from population studies to detailed accretion physics
• High-energy transients: fast X-ray transients from Einstein Probe, tidal disruption events, and quasi-periodic eruptions
• Hot interstellar, circumgalactic and intergalactic media: the eROSITA bubbles and hot Milky Way halo, the circumgalactic medium of nearby galaxies, and the warm-hot gas in cosmic filaments

Why MPE

MPE is a world-leading institute for space- and ground-based experimental astrophysics. The High-Energy Group has contributed instrumentation to many missions including Chandra and XMM-Newton and led the development of the eROSITA X-ray telescope. MPE is also a partner in Einstein Probe and a lead institute in ESA’s future NewAthena X-ray observatory. The group is involved in several ground-based projects, including GROND, SDSS-V, 4MOST, and Rubin/LSST, primarily in support of the space programs.

Requirements

A Ph.D. in astronomy or astrophysics (completed or imminent) and a publication record relevant to the areas above. Experience with X-ray data analysis or interpretation is desirable.

Terms

The position(s) is/are available immediately and will be for a period of three years. Salary follows the German public-sector pay scale (TVöD Bund) and will be paid according to your qualifications and professional experience up to a maximum of EG14.

Your application

Please submit the following in English, as PDFs, via our online application portal by December 1, 2026: a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a brief (~1 page) statement of research interests.

In addition, three letters of reference should be sent by the application deadline to @MPE.  

Informal inquiries about the position may be addressed to Prof. Esra Bulbul or Prof. Kirpal Nandra. For further information about MPE and the High-Energy Group, please visit our website.

MPE is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome all applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity. Family-friendly working conditions are a matter for us. 

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.