Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie (MPIA)
Heidelberg
PhD Positions in Galaxy Evolution (Reference No. 2007-13)
The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany, is seeking
ambitious, highly motivated applicants for two 3-year PhD positions in Extragalactic
Astrophysics, to work on the coevolution of QSOs and galaxies.
Two PhD positions in Astrophysics are available at the MPIA (http://www.mpia.de) in the
newly
established
Emmy
Noether
group
led
by
Dr.
Knud
Jahnke
(http://www.mpia.de/homes/jahnke) on the topic of 'The Coevolution of Galactic Bulges and
their Black Holes'. Both PhD projects will study the connection between galaxy interactions
and the presence of an active galactic nucleus. The first of the two positions involves the
development of tools to quantify interaction in distant galaxies to be applied to distant quasar
host galaxies from the two large Hubble Space Telescope surveys COSMOS and GEMS. The
second position will focus on detailed studies of the star formation and kinematics of local
active galaxies using 2- and 3-dimensional spectroscopic data from the Very Large Telescope.
The remuneration is based on the German collective wage agreement for the public sector
(TVöD) 50% at level 13. Social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public
service.
Interested applicants should have a very good academic track record and hold the equivalent
of a Masters degree, including a substantial thesis, in Astronomy or Physics when starting the
position. Previous experience with astronomical data analysis would be an asset.
Interested candidates should send application materials, including curriculum vitae, education
history with transcripts of study record, and a brief statement of research interests by email
(preferred) or mail to the address below (please quote ref. no. 07-13) until October 15, 2007,
and have three letters of reference forwarded to the same address. Later applications might be
considered until the positions are filled.
Dr. Knud Jahnke
Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
Koenigstuhl 17
69117 Heidelberg
Germany
jahnke@mpia.de
Tel: +49-(0)6221-528360
email: jahnke@mpia.de
For further information, please email or phone Dr. Jahnke at the above address.
The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women,
disabled people, and minority groups are particularly welcome. The MPIA supports its
employees in their search for suitable child care institutions.