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Details of the postdoctoral positions
Application Round
September 2026
Project title
Postdoctoral position in exoplanet direct imaging at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
City
Heidelberg
Specific field of research
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Max Planck Institute
Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
Broad field of research
Chemistry, Physics and Technology Section
Short description of the group/project/topic of research

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the group of staff scientist Dr. Wolfgang Brandner at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany. The successful candidate will work on direct imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanets with current and upcoming facilities. The exact projects will be coordinated based on the interests of the candidate, but possibilities include:

  • VLTI/GRAVITY+: follow-up of Gaia DR4 planet candidates, and astrometric and atmospheric monitoring of known systems
  • Roman/CGI: analysis of anticipated initial CGI data on exohosts and preparation for the extended science mission
  • ELT/METIS: mitigating the thermal noise floor for high contrast imaging and characterization of exoplanets

The successful candidate will be hosted by the Atmospheric Physics of Exoplanets (APEx) Department and take part in the Max Planck Postdoc Program. The department’s research covers a broad range of topics in exoplanet characterization, including the chemical composition, thermal structure, and dynamics of gaseous planetary atmospheres; the formation and properties of clouds and hazes; the search for atmospheres on rocky planets; the internal structure and bulk composition of gas giants; planet detection and orbital dynamics; and the characterization of exoplanet host stars. APEx is also a partner in the construction of several new instruments over the coming decade, including VLTI/GRAVITY+, ELT/METIS, and ELT/ANDES. For more information on our research activities and scientific staff, see http://www.mpia.de/en/apex.

Additional information

Candidates should provide a cover letter, a CV and publication list, a statement of previous research (up to three pages). Please upload all documents in pdf format. Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be provided separately. All application materials are due by October 13, 2026.

The successful applicant will have support for travel, publications, and high-performance computing through the Max Planck Computing and Data Facility (www.mpcdf.mpg.de). Resources are also available for career development, networking and mentoring. 

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer, committed to gender equality and diversity in its workforce. We particularly encourage applications from historically underrepresented or disadvantaged groups. The Max Planck Society is also dedicated to increasing the number of employees with disabilities and welcomes applications from such qualified individuals. If you have any questions about equal opportunities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Officer (equality@mpia.de), or Ralf Launhardt (rl@mpia.de) for support regarding colleagues with severe disabilities. Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy or a closely related field. The start date is flexible, but ideally no later than September 2027.

Remuneration will be on the German public sector scale (expected to be TVoeD level E14), and depends on qualification and experience. Extensive social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service. We also provide a canteen, support for work-life balance, including assistance with finding childcare facilities and housing if needed, discounted access to public transportation, and reduced rates for certain insurance policies.

Requirements
Requirements

Applicants have to upload their 

  • CV (including a publication list)
  • a summary of previous research
  • and a statement of interest
Principal Investigator
Laura Kreidberg - Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
Email: kreidberg@mpia.de
Contact person
Wolfgang Brandner
brandner@mpia.de
+49 6221 528-289