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Details of the postdoctoral positions
Application Round
September 2026
Project title
Extreme Adaptive Optics for the Extremely Large Telescope
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 researcher in the context of adaptive optics (AO)  at MPIA in Heidelberg.  The Planet Formation and Exoplanets department (https://www.mpia.de/en/pfe)  is involved in several high-contrast imaging instruments such as the SAXO+ upgrade for VLT/SPHERE, ELT/METIS, and the upcoming Planetary Camera and Spectrograph (PCS) for the ELT. All of these are equipped with eXtreme Adaptive Optics (XAO) systems.  The applicant will work on the development of XAO for PCS - specifically on simulations of various  wavefront sensor types, control algorithms, and system set-ups.  MPIA is also preparing a laboratory set-up for characterization and testing of the XAO deformable mirror prototype curently under development. The opportunity will exist to contribute to this development, the eventual characterization, and to feed back the outcome into the simulation task by improved modelling.

Additional information

The Planet Formation and Exoplanets Department (https://www.mpia.de/en/pfe) at MPIA is pursuing a wide range of astrophysical research, encompassing large observing programs in planet and star formation as well as exoplanet search, instrumentation development, theoretical modeling, and laboratory astrophysics.  A number of exciting research opportunities are available at MPIA. MPIA astronomers have preferential access to the Very Large Telescope (VLT), the 2.2m MPG telescope on La Silla, the IRAM facilities and the APEX sub-millimeter telescope in Chile. MPIA is part of the VLT/SPHERE(+), VLTI/MATISSE, VLTI/GRAVITY(+), JWST/MIRI, and ROMAN consortia and is strongly involved in the design and preparation for ELT instruments MICADO and METIS. 

Your Tasks

Postdoctoral researchers are expected to participate in the development of extreme adaptive optics for ELT/PCS, and to develop independent research in the broad framework of  research in the Planet Formation and Exoplanets Department. 

Your Profile 

Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics or a closely related field. 

Our offer

Appointments are anticipated for an initial period of three years. The remuneration is based on the German collective wage agreement for the public sector (TVöD) depending on qualification and experience in level E14. Social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service. 

Included Benefits

Successful applicants 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. 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. 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. 

 

Link to PI’s webpage
https://feldt.www3.mpia.de/
Requirements
Requirements

Applicants have to upload their 

  • CV (including a publication list)
  • a summary of previous research
  • and a statement of interest
Additional requirements for the application

Interested candidates should provide the following in their application. Please upload all documents in one pdf file (max. 10 MB):

  • cover letter (1 page)
  • brief CV (max. 3 pages)
  • publication list
  • brief research statement (including past, current, and future research – max. 3 pages not inc. references) 

Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be provided separately (further details will be provided by the PI upon request).

Principal Investigator
Markus Feldt - Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
Email: feldt@mpia.de
Contact person
Markus Feldt
feldt@mpia.de
+49 6221 528 262