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| Postdoc for Astronomical Observing Programs at the University of Vienna | Closing date: 2026-10-15
Contact: Stefan Meingast |
| The Leopold Figl Observatory for Astrophysics, operated by the Department of Astrophysics of the University of Vienna, hosts the largest optical telescope in Austria (1.5 m). Within the Figl 2030 project, the observatory is building up a major observing program for the follow-up and characterization of transiting extrasolar planets. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the team behind this program. You will work in close collaboration with colleagues at the Department of Astrophysics, in particular Univ.-Prof. Dr. João Alves and Dr. Stefan Meingast. | | ▸ more | The Leopold Figl Observatory for Astrophysics, operated by the Department of Astrophysics of the University of Vienna, hosts the largest optical telescope in Austria (1.5 m). Within the Figl 2030 project, the observatory is building up a major observing program for the follow-up and characterization of transiting extrasolar planets. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the team behind this program. You will work in close collaboration with colleagues at the Department of Astrophysics, in particular Univ.-Prof. Dr. João Alves and Dr. Stefan Meingast.
Your working place:
The Department of Astrophysics with currently around 100 members is part of the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy at the University of Vienna.
You will be at the center of the Figl 2030 project, which dedicates a large share of the observing time of the 1.5 m Leopold Figl telescope to the photometric follow-up of transiting exoplanet candidates identified by space missions such as TESS and PLATO. This includes false-positive screening and the refinement of transit parameters. The telescope is currently being upgraded with a new wide-field camera system. You will be based at the University Observatory in Vienna and help build up the observing program, including taking observations yourself. The team observes mostly remotely from Vienna, with occasional work at the telescope on Mitterschöpfl.
The position is set for 48 months, with a preferred starting date of January 1, 2027.
Your future tasks:
Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:
As part of a team, you help establish and operate observing programs — in particular those related to exoplanet research — at the 1.5 m Leopold Figl telescope.
You build up your research profile in time-domain science with room for independent projects and collaborations.
You participate in the commissioning and science verification of the new wide-field camera system.
You develop, maintain, and document the data reduction and photometry pipelines required for high-precision time-series photometry.
You help coordinate the observatory’s participation in international follow-up programs (e.g., for NASA’s TESS mission).
You lead and participate in scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international meetings.
You contribute to the outreach activities.
You can (co-)supervise Bachelor and Master students and involve students in the observations.
You can hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
Your profile:
Must-haves
A PhD degree in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field, completed by the starting date.
Experience with optical astronomical observations.
Experience with high-precision photometry and/or time-series analysis.
Research experience in observational astronomy, demonstrated through publications appropriate to your career stage.
Solid programming skills (e.g., Python) and experience with astronomical data processing.
Fluency in English (spoken and written).
A category B driver’s license (Austrian Führerschein B or an equivalent from another country), or the willingness to obtain one before or shortly after the start of the position.
Good-to-haves
Experience with exoplanet transit observations and light curve modeling.
Experience with telescope operations, instrument commissioning, or remote observing.
Experience with infrared astronomical observations.
Hands-on technical or engineering experience, for example with observatory hardware, instrumentation, electronics, or mechanical systems, whether from astronomy or another field.
Experience in the supervision of students and in public outreach.
Knowledge of German.
Your working style is independent, structured, and solution-oriented. You thrive in collaborative, international teams and enjoy tackling technical challenges in dynamic environments. You are a team player and have good social and communicative skills.
What we offer:
Inspiring working atmosphere: You have the opportunity to work within a dedicated team on forefront science, while profiting from the international environment in the Department of Astrophysics. We have privileged access to the Austrian Scientific Computing (ASC) super-computing facility. As a member state of ESO and ESA, Austria has access to their first-class observing facilities, and the Department of Astrophysics is a partner in three instrument consortia for ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), currently under construction.
Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours. Upon agreement, hybrid working hours within Austria might be possible up to a certain extent.
Good public transport connections: Your working place, the University Observatory, is located in the middle of the natural monument Observatory Park in the lively city of Vienna with outstanding public transport.
Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.
Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 5.014,30 (14 times a year) increases if we can credit professional experience.
Equal opportunities for all: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!
It is that easy to apply:
With your CV including a list of publications
A letter of motivation
A brief description of your research interests
Contact details of references who may be contacted regarding your application
With your PhD certificate
Via our job portal/ Apply now - button
https://jobs.univie.ac.at/job/Postdoc-for-Astronomical-Observing-Programs-at-the-Leopold-Figl-Observatory/1433430933/
If you have any questions, please contact:
Stefan Meingast
stefan.meingast @ univie.ac.at
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