Postdoctoral position in High-Energy Gamma-Ray Astronomy

The Max Planck Institute for Physics is a research institute focusing on particle and astroparticle physics from an experimental and theoretical perspective. The research activities of the experimental astroparticle physics group comprise participation in the gamma-ray telescopes, CTA, MAGIC, and Fermi Gamma-Ray satellite, and the CRESST dark matter search.

This group takes a leading role in overseeing the development of the CTA Large Size Telescopes (LST) with- in CTA North. The first telescope, Large Size Telescope 1 (LST1), has been successfully constructed and commissioned since 2018. It is now transitioning into scientific operation and operated in stereo observation with the MAGIC telescopes. Currently, three additional large-size telescopes (LST2-4) are in progress and will be completed in 2026. Once finished, they will form a formidable array of four telescopes, each with a diame- ter of 23 meters. This array promises exceptional sensitivity in detecting high-energy gamma rays, spanning from 20GeV to 10 TeV, broadening our view of the gamma-ray universe to cosmological distances. CTA-LST is set to revolutionize our understanding of the high-energy Universe by providing unprecedented sensitivity.

MAGIC, on the other hand, represents a groundbreaking ground-based Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov tele- scope stereo system featuring two 17-meter diameter dishes. Its primary mission is to investigate high- energy phenomena in the Universe by studying gamma rays above 50 GeV. Operating in stereo mode with remarkable sensitivity since 2009, MAGIC has stood at the forefront of high-energy gamma-ray astrophysics for a number of years.

We invite applications for postdoctoral positions (f/m/d) in high-energy gamma-ray astrophysics to strengthen our experimental astroparticle physics group.

We are looking for postdoctoral researchers who can contribute to the development and commissioning of the new generation CTA-LSTs and also to the data analysis and science with the newly built CTA-LSTs and MAGIC Telescopes. The successful candidate is expected to have an experimental background in cosmic- ray physics, gamma-ray astrophysics, or neighboring fields, such as elementary particle physics and astro- physics.

The position is initially limited to two years, to the end of February 2026. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the German public service pay scale (TVöD).

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. 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.

For questions concerning the position offered, please contact Prof. Masahiro Teshima (e-mail: mteshima@mpp.mpg.de). Interested scientists should send their applications (including a CV, list of publica- tions, and research interest) until 1st December 2023 and arrange for two recommendation letters to be sent as PDFs and received by the same date via e-mail to dwerner@mpp.mpg.de.

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