PhD Position: Astrophysics PhD Programme in Munich

Edusail Abroad; München; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

IMPRS on Astrophysics in Munich offers around 25 doctoral places per year across four partners, spanning observational, theoretical and instrumental astrophysics. Students join a research group, take a programme of lectures, and complete a doctorate in three to four years.

The eligibility requires a M.Sc. degree or equivalent, with 65% E13 TVöD Bund funding; expected gross annual pay around EUR 39,000 in year 1, varying by institution, and English tests are recommended for non-native speakers.

Qualifications

• Strong physics background required.
• Programming experience in Python, C or Fortran beneficial.
• Master's thesis in astronomy or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct doctoral research in an astrophysics group across observational, theoretical or instrumental projects.
• Attend lectures and seminars as part of the programme; complete a doctorate in 3–4 years.

Skills

Physics background

Data analysis

Coding experience

Education

M.Sc. in Physics/Astrophysics

Integrated BS-MS or 5-year M.Sc.

Tools

Python

C/Fortran

Job description

The IMPRS on Astrophysics in Munich offers around 25 doctoral places a year across four partners: two Max Planck Institutes, the European Southern Observatory and LMU's University Observatory. Projects span observational, theoretical and instrumental astrophysics, from galaxies and cosmology to high‑energy and planetary science. Students join a research group, take a programme of lectures and seminars, and complete a doctorate in three to four years. A strong physics background, coding experience (Python, C/Fortran), data analysis or simulation work, and a Master's thesis in astronomy or a related area make an application competitive.

Eligibility: M.Sc. degree or equivalent, e.g. M.Sc. Physics/Astrophysics, or an integrated BS-MS (IISER/NISER) or 5-year integrated M.Sc. Bachelor's and Master's certificates are required with the application.

Tests: TOEFL iBT 94 or IELTS 7 recommended; exempt if native English speaker or entire university education was in English

Pay: PhD funding agreement equivalent to 65% E13 TVöD Bund at MPE/MPA, approx. EUR 39,000 gross/year in year 1 (LMU approx. EUR 37,500 gross; ESO studentship approx. EUR 26,724 net)

Duration: 3 to 4 years