Postdoc: Exoplanet Time-Domain Observations & Pipelines

Internetchemie; Wien; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Vienna invites applications for a 48‑month position in the Department of Astrophysics. Based at the University Observatory in Vienna, you will contribute to the Figl 2030 project, perform photometric follow-up of exoplanet candidates, and help upgrade the telescope and camera system.

You will develop time-domain research, establish observing programs, and participate in publications, outreach, and student supervision, with remote work from Vienna and occasional telescope visits.

Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy/astrophysics completed by the starting date.
• Experience with optical astronomical observations.
• Experience with high-precision photometry and time-series analysis.
• Research experience demonstrated by publications appropriate to career stage.
• Strong programming skills (Python) and experience with astronomical data processing.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).
• Category B driver's license or willingness to obtain one before/soon after start.

Responsibilities

• Help establish and operate observing programs, especially exoplanet follow-up at the 1.5 m Leopold Figl telescope.
• Build up your research profile in time-domain science with independent projects.
• Participate in commissioning and science verification of the new wide-field camera system.
• Develop, maintain, and document data reduction and photometry pipelines for high-precision time-series photometry.
• Coordinate the observatory's participation in international follow-up programs (e.g., NASA's TESS).
• Lead and participate in scientific publications and present results at international meetings.
• Contribute to outreach activities.
• Co-supervise Bachelor and Master students and involve them in observations.
• Hold courses independently within collective bargaining provisions.

Skills

PhD in astronomy

Optical astronomical observations

High-precision photometry

Time-series analysis

Publications in astronomy

Programming skills (Python)

English fluency

Driver's license (B)

Education

PhD in Astronomy

Tools

Python

Astronomical data processing

Job description

The University of Vienna invites applications for a 48‑month position in the Department of Astrophysics. Based at the University Observatory in Vienna, you will contribute to the Figl 2030 project, perform photometric follow-up of exoplanet candidates, and help upgrade the telescope and camera system.

You will develop time-domain research, establish observing programs, and participate in publications, outreach, and student supervision, with remote work from Vienna and occasional telescope visits.