Postdoc for Astronomical Observing Programs at the Leopold Figl Observatory

University of Vienna; Wien; Hybride; EUR 59 000 - 72 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Hybrid working hours

Access to ASC super-computing facility

Résumé du poste

The University of Vienna invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in astronomical observing programs at the Leopold Figl Observatory. You will work on a major observing program for transiting exoplanets, building up pipelines and coordinating international follow‑ups from Vienna.

The role emphasizes independent research in time-domain astronomy, collaboration with the department, and potential supervision of students.

Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or closely related field required by start date.
• Experience with optical astronomical observations required.
• Experience with high-precision photometry and time-series analysis expected.
• Research experience demonstrated by publications appropriate to career stage.
• Solid programming skills (Python) and data processing experience.

Responsabilités

• Participate in establishing and operating observing programs at the 1.5 m Leopold Figl telescope, focusing on exoplanet follow‑up.
• Build your research profile in time-domain science with potential independent projects.
• 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 observatory participation in international follow‑up programs (e.g., NASA’s TESS).
• Lead and participate in peer‑reviewed publications and present results at international meetings.
• Contribute to outreach activities and involve students in observations.

Connaissances

Optical observations

Time-series analysis

Photometry

Publications

Python

English fluency

Driver's license

Formation

PhD in astronomy/astrophysics

Outils

Python

Description du poste

If You Have Any Questions, Please Contact
Stefan Meingast

At the University of Vienna, almost 11,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,700 of them are academic staff members. These are individuals who, with their curiosity and their continuous pursuit of excellence, engage in international cutting‑edge research and teaching. With us, you will also find space to unfold your potential. We are looking for a ...

Postdoc for Astronomical Observing Programs at the Leopold Figl Observatory

53 Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy

Startdate: 01.01.2027 Working hours: 40 Collective bargaining agreement:

• 48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) Reference no.: 6123

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!

If You Have Any Questions, Please Contact

Stefan Meingast

[e-mail]

We look forward to new personalities in our team!

The University of Vienna has an anti‑discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

Application deadline: 10/15/2026