Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) in X-ray astronomy
The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) is dedicated to astrophysical questions ranging from the study of our Sun to the evolution of the cosmos. The research focuses on the area of stars, the Sun and exoplanets, galactic and extragalactic astrophysics, and cosmology. A significant share of the work involves research and development in the area of astrophysical spectroscopy, astrophotonics and the research data infrastructure. The AIP fulfils its research mission through numerous national, European, and international collaborations. The institute is the successor to the Berlin Observatory, founded in 1700, and the Astrophysical Observatory Potsdam, founded in 1874, which was the first institute in the world to devote itself expressly to astrophysics. Since 1992, the AIP has been a member of the Leibniz Association. Around 200 people work at our institute, set in a beautiful park landscape in Potsdam, not far from Berlin.
The postdoctoral researcher will work in the framework of a DLR-funded project Topics in compact binary research. The project aims to exploit observations from the ESA observatory XMM-Newton that were obtained simultaneously with ESO’s VLT/X-Shooter in an ultracompact binary in a 6 min binary orbit.
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for the processing, scientific analysis, and publication of the X-ray data (timing and spectroscopic analysis) and the contemporaneous optical data (spectroscopy and photometry). The activities of the researcher are embedded in a group that actively participates in the eROSITA mission and the XMM-Newton Survey Science Centre. The group is involved in follow-up programs of eROSITA sources with SDSS-V and 4MOST. The successful applicant will become member of the German eROSITA collaboration.
Applicants need to hold a PhD in astrophysics, physics, or a related field at the beginning of the appointment. Programming experience, preferably in Python, is necessary. Prior experience in the field of compact accreting binaries will be of advantage. Experience with the processing of X-ray data and standard analysis techniques are important. Good English skills (written and spoken) are essential.
The salary is based on professional experience and expertise following the German public service collective agreement (TV-L) with a pay grade of E13. Social benefits included in TV-L are the company pension VBL and disability and survivors' benefits as well as a subsidy for the public transport ticket. The initial appointment will be for 1 year with a planned extension dependent on the success with grant proposals. AIP offers flexible working hours, good opportunities for internal and external training, and an open-minded and cooperative working atmosphere in a modern working environment, very well equipped and located in the middle of a World Heritage Site.
To apply, please register at the AIP recruitment portal
and follow the instructions to upload the following documents, all in PDF format: A cover letter (one page maximum) motivating your application, a Curriculum Vitae, your PhD degree certificate (if already available, otherwise specify the expected completion date), a list of publications and talks, and a research summary describing your experience, skills, and project-related work so far (no more than two pages, including any figures). In the cover letter, a link to a PDF of your PhD thesis would be appreciated (if applicable). The cover letter should also provide contact information for two individuals willing to provide reference letters upon request. Note that we will request such letters only for a subset of applicants after an initial selection step.
Applications received until 31 October 2026 will receive full consideration. Equal opportunities are an integral part of the personnel and organisational development at the AIP, and we therefore strongly encourage female scientists to apply. People with disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified and skilled. Application documents will be kept for at least three months after completion of the appointment process. The documents will be made available to a selection committee and to other committees and officers to be involved.