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| POSTDOCTORAL POSITION (m/f/x) IN ASTROPHYSICS | Closing date: 2025-11-10
Contact: Prof. Dr. Yuri Kovalev |
| The Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the MuSES (Multi-messenger Studies of Extragalactic Super-colliders) project led by Prof. Yuri Kovalev and funded by the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant No. 101142396). | | ▸ more | MuSES (https://www.mpifr-bonn.mpg.de/muses) aims to explore the link between black holes, accretion disks, and their surrounding medium. Using advanced multi-messenger astrophysics, we seek to advance our understanding of black holes, relativistic outflows, cosmic ray production, and high-energy neutrino emission.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
1. Observational studies of AGN jet geometry, collimation and acceleration:
- Measurements of jet shapes from parsec-scale images.
- Multi-year kinematics and model analysis to probe the acceleration of relativistic plasma in jets.
- Developments of new automated algorithms for VLBI model-fitting, kinematics measurements and robustness assessment.
2. Probing the physical mechanism of neutrino production on the basis of multi-messenger blazar data:
- Study of parsec-scale properties of neutrino-selected blazar candidates on the basis of regular VLBI observations of complete samples and neutrino-triggered follow-up experiments.
- Reconstruction of physical conditions in AGN jets including properties of newly ejected relativistic ejections potentially associated with high-energy neutrino events.
- Statistical and modeling analysis of radio-to-gamma-ray variations in relation to high-energy neutrino events to search for a possible connection between electromagnetic synchro-compton flares and neutrino arrival times and energies.
To achieve these goals, the MuSES team will combine a range of radio-to-gamma-ray observations, particularly VLBI, and high-energy neutrino data. They will conduct multi-frequency polarization observations of blazars and AGNs with the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) within the ongoing MOJAVE project and other dedicated VLBA experiments at cm and mm wavelengths.
We seek a researcher whose scientific interests align with one or more of these objectives. Experience in any of the following areas is desirable but not strictly required: radio interferometry techniques and VLBI, modern methods of electromagnetic or multi-messenger statistical data analysis, AGN jet simulations.
Postdocs will have the opportunity to join the KM3NeT neutrino collaboration as full members and participate in neutrino telescope activities, including observations, data processing, and analysis as an integral part of the multi-messenger MuSES project. Additionally, the International Max Planck Research School for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IMPRS) offers opportunities for collaborative research with PhD students, including their supervision and teaching within the MuSES project.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested and qualified individuals should submit the following by November 10, 2025: CV, list of publications, a research motivation letter to the MPIfR application portal
https://jobs.b-ite.com/en/jobposting/88f04e3c43c6731c6b82420875ac220c71f132720/apply
Applicants should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent by referees to reference @ mpifr.de (subject line "MuSES: Candidate Name") by the indicated deadline.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The initial appointment is for two (2) years with the possibility of extension upon review. The appointment is expected to start before October 2026. Remuneration is based on the German wage agreement for the public service (TVöD-Bund), level 13, which includes comprehensive healthcare coverage and other social benefits.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing diversity in its workforce and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. The society also seeks to increase female representation in underrepresented areas and strongly encourages women to apply.
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