Postdoctoral Position at the Max Planck Institute for Physics (MPP)

The Max Planck Institute for Physics (MPP) is a research institute focusing on particle and astroparticle physics from both an experimental and a theoretical perspective. The MPP gamma-ray group consists of about 20 physicists whose research activities comprise the participation in the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on board the Fermi satel- lite, and the Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes MAGIC and CTA.

The Fermi-LAT instrument and the MAGIC telescopes have operated and played a key role in the gamma-ray as- tronomy for more than ten years, while the first CTA-LST telescope is being commissioned, and will start scientific operations soon. The MPP gamma-ray group pursues a vigorous research program in the study of the phenomena occurring in the most extreme cosmic sources in the Universe. These violent environments, which are not reproduc- ible at Earth-based laboratories, provide opportunities to study processes at the frontier of the known physics. Addi- tionally, the group also tackles a wide range of questions related to cosmology and fundamental physics, like the search for the nature of the elusive Dark Matter content in the Universe. With its vibrant and wide range scientific program, the MPP gamma-ray group provides an attractive and stimulating environment for doing research.

We seek Ph.D. scientists for a postdoctoral research position to strengthen our experimental astroparticle physics group. The primary focus of this position is the multi-messenger study of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) within the framework of the Connector 6 from the Excellence Cluster ORIGINS. The multi-instrument data from the various AGNs will be used to study the emission mechanisms, and to derive the parent particle popu- lation and its temporal evolution. Ultimately, these results will be used to constrain the physical processes driving the acceleration of the radiating high-energy particles, and to better understand these extreme cosmic sources.

The scientist will be primarily responsible for the gamma-ray data, but is also expected to work with data from other wavelengths (radio, optical and X-rays), as well as with high-energy cosmic rays and neutrinos (when availa- ble). The research activities also involve developing strategies for optimal characterization of the multi-messenger data within the framework of various state-of-the-art theoretical models. Additionally, the scientist is also expected to engage in activities related to the calibration and operation of the above-mentioned gamma-ray instruments.

The successful candidate is expected to have an experimental background in cosmic-ray physics, gamma-ray astro- physics, and especially, experience with multi-instrument studies of AGN sources (e.g. radio galaxies and/or blazars). The candidate should have a Ph.D. in physics, or be close to completion of the PhD program.

The position is limited to a period of initially two years, with a possible extension of up to four years. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the German public service pay scale (TVöD Bund).

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. The Max Planck Society is committed to increas- ing 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.

For questions concerning the position offered, please contact David Paneque (e-mail: dpaneque@mpp.mpg.de). Interested scientists should send their applications (including a CV, the list of publications and a 3-page research interest) until 31 January 2021, and arrange for three recommendation letters to be sent as PDF and received by the same date via e-mail to dwerner@mpp.mpg.de.

Max-Planck-Institut für Physik
(Werner-Heisenberg-Institut) Ms. Diana Werner
Föhringer Ring 6
D-80805 München

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