Postdoctoral Position in Infrared Interferometry/Astrometry MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE FOR ASTRONOMY
(Ref. No. 07-21)
The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) is seeking an ambitious, highly qualified
postdoctoral appointee to participate in instrumentation and software development in the field of
infrared interferometry. The successful candidate should have a strong background in astrophysics
and optical/NIR interferometry. Experience in astrometry and research interests in the field of
extrasolar planets would be an asset, though not a requirement.
The MPIA, together with the Landessternwarte Heidelberg, the Observatoire de Geneve, and ESO is
currently developing the Differential Delay Lines and the astrometric operations and software tools for
the PRIMA facility (Phase-Referenced Imaging and Micro-arcsecond Astrometry) at ESO's Very
Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) on Paranal in Chile.
PRIMA will implement the dual-feed capability at the VLTI to enable simultaneous interferometric
observations of two objects, thus allowing for real-time phase-referencing. When used with two
Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) in the differential astrometric mode, an astrometric precision of 10 microarcseconds is anticipated. (See http://www.mpia.de/PRIMA-DDL/index.html for further information)
When PRIMA becomes fully operational in early 2009, the MPIA together with its partners plans to
perform a large astrometric survey for extrasolar planets with this facility.
The appointee will be expected to participate and take responsibilities in the system analysis, error
budget, and development of operation and data reduction strategies for the astrometric mode of
PRIMA. This task requires a close collaboration with ESO, including visits to Garching and Paranal.
The postdoctoral position includes sufficient funds for publications, travel, etc. The appointment will
be for an initial period of two years, with a possible extension to three years. Science is also a priority,
and a significant fraction of time will be available for individual research.In addition to the VLTI, the
MPIA has major ground-based instrumentation programs and access to observing time at the twin 8meter Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) on Mt. Graham, the 2.2~m MPG telescope on La Silla, and
the 2.2 m and 3.5 m telescopes on Calar Alto. There is also a very active group developing
instrumentation for space astronomy missions, including Herschel, JWST, and Darwin as well as a
Gaia science group.
Interested candidates should send application materials, including a curriculum vita, a brief summary
of past and current research and experience, and a brief statement of research interests to the address
below. Three letters of recommendation should be requested by the applicant and sent directly to the
address below. Applications will receive immediate consideration. The position will be filled as soon
as a suitable candidate is identified. Further information on the instrumentation and science interests
of the MPIA community can be found at http://www.mpia.de (or contact Dr. Ralf Launhardt,
rl@mpia.de).
Send application materials to
Prof. Thomas Henning,
Max-Planck-Institut fuer Astronomie (Ref. No. 07-21)
Koenigstuhl 17
69117 Heidelberg
Germany
The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women and historically
under-represented groups are particularly welcome. The MPIA supports its employees in their search
for suitable child care institutions.