University Assistant (postdoc)

EURAXESS Ireland; Innsbruck; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Innsbruck invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in observational high-energy gamma-ray astrophysics. The successful candidate will work with data from Fermi, H.E.S.S. and the upcoming CTAO, focusing on data reduction, modeling and interpretation of gamma-ray emission phenomena.

The appointment is for three years and includes teaching hours. Applicants should have a PhD in astrophysics, preferably in high-energy astrophysics or related fields, and a track record in

Qualifications

• PhD in astrophysics, preferably high-energy astrophysics, astroparticle physics or particle physics.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation of high-energy gamma-ray data.
• Familiarity with contemporary gamma-ray observatories and data analysis pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Participate in data reduction, broadband modeling and scientific interpretation of high-energy gamma-ray emission phenomena.
• Contribute to research using Fermi, H.E.S.S. and CTAO facilities and related data sets.
• Engage in teaching and lab activities at four teaching hours per week.

Skills

Data analysis

Observational astronomy

Gamma-ray physics

Education

PhD in astrophysics

Job description

Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics

Organisation/Company University of Innsbruck Department Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 27 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Austria Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 hours per week Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

• 02.04.2027
• for 3 years

Postdoctoral appointment in high-energy gamma-ray astrophysicsThe Institute for Astro- and Particle Physics invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the field of observational high-energy astrophysics/astroparticle physics. The candidate should be familiar with analysis- and interpretational aspects of data from one or more contemporary high-energy gamma-ray observatories. The Institute is involved in: the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope. The H.E.S.S. telescope array, and the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory CTAO. Fermi is the high-energy gamma-ray observation in orbit since June 11, 2008, designed for observations of celestial gamma-rays from 20 MeV up to hundreds of GeV.The High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) is an array of five imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes operated in the southern hemisphere (Namibia), and sensitive to gamma-rays from below hundred GeV to about hundred TeV. CTAO is the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, an observatory which will provide an unprecedented view on energetic phenomena in the very high energy gamma-ray sky from low GeV to PeV energies from both hemispheres.We offer he opportunity to pursue a rigorous research program using foremost capable experiments in high-energy gamma-ray astrophysics and the opportunity to prepare for a data taking and participation in the upcoming CTA Observatory. Data are to be analyzed in close collaboration with Fermi collaboration and/or the H.E.S.S. consortium. The successful candidate is expected to participate in data reduction, broadband modeling, and scientific interpretation of emission phenomena in the high-energy gamma-ray astrophysics domain. Research shall be focused on one or more of the following topics: diffuse galactic continuum emission; shock- and stellar wind-related particle acceleration; diffuse/convective particle transport in regions of high star formation and/or CR storage on cosmological timescales; broadband observations towards new and/or unidentified high-energy sources; gamma-ray sources in the context of multi-messenger observations.
Besides using the aforementioned research facilities, the next-generation Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) is presently under construction. The successful candidate has the opportunity to participate in the effort through either R&D on the FlashCam consortium (cameras for the Medium Size Telescope in CTAO-South), and/or science-and performance studies to prepare for data taking and early science observations within the CTAO consortium. The Postdoctoral Scholar will be required to participate in the institute’s teaching and lab activities at the level of four teaching hours per week.
The appointment will be made for three years. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Austrian University Law (UG 2002). Ideally, a starting date of April 2027 is anticipated.Requirements:
PhD in astrophysics, preferable high-energy astrophysics, astroparticle physics or particle physics.
Contact:
Ms Claudia Wester ( [e-mail] ), University of Innsbruck

The University of Innsbruck is committed to raising the quota of female employees and therefore explicitly welcomes applications from qualified female scientists. In the case of female underrepresentation women with equal qualifications will be given priority.

In accordance with Austrian disability laws qualified people with special requirements are expressly encouraged to apply for jobs. For further information, please contact the Disability Officer for Academic Staff at [e-mail] .

What the University of Innsbruck offers:

From a company pension scheme, to flexible working hours and child care facilities the University of Innsbruck offers its employees a wide range of benefits which is being continuously extended.

Along with interesting oppurtunities for the participation in job-related and personal further education courses, and the succesful compatibility of career and family, employees can benefit from a large range of courses offered by the University Sports Institute (USI), the language courses offered by the ISI, the University Library and take advantage of the various canteens offering reasonably priced food.

Are you looking for a new challenge? The University of Innsbruck is a place of study, research and employment for more than 31.000 people. As one of the largest employers in Tyrol the University offers a varied and exciting field of activity for its employees from very diverse educational and professional backgrounds. The University explicitly welcomes diversity and is committed to the principle of equal opportunity. It is a certified family-friendly workplace and received the award 'Top workplace 2018' from the Austrian business magazine 'trend'.

Languages

At the University of Innsbruck researchers from all over the world come together. Depending on the individual scientific community the language used may be German, English or another (if unanimously decided).

Internal communication is in German. Therefore a basic knowledge of German or the willingness to acquire such knowledge is essential.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Department of Astro- and Particle Physics Country Austria City Innsbruck Postal Code A-6020 Street Technikerstraße 25