Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) in X-ray astronomy

Aip; Potsdam; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension (VBL)

Disability and survivors’ benefits

Public transport ticket subsidy

Job summary

AIP in Potsdam invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to analyze X-ray data (timing and spectroscopy) and optical data (spectroscopy and photometry) within a DLR-funded project on ultracompact binaries.

The successful candidate will work in a group involved in eROSITA, XMM-Newton surveys, and follow-up programs, with a planned 1-year initial appointment and potential extension based on grant success.

Qualifications

• PhD in astrophysics, physics or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Experience with processing X‑ray data and standard analysis techniques.
• Good English skills written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Process, analyze, and publish X-ray data (timing and spectroscopy) and contemporaneous optical data (spectroscopy and photometry).
• Collaborate within the eROSITA and XMM-Newton communities; participate in follow-up programs.
• Contribute to group efforts and publications; engage with the German eROSITA collaboration.

Skills

Python programming

X-ray data processing

Timing analysis

Spectroscopy analysis

English language

Education

PhD in astrophysics/physics

Tools

Python

Job description

The postdoctoral researcher will work in the framework of a DLR-funded project Topics in compact binary research. The project aims to exploit observations from the ESA observatory XMM-Newton that were obtained simultaneously with ESO's VLT/X-Shooter in an ultracompact binary in a 6 min binary orbit.

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for the processing, scientific analysis, and publication of the X-ray data (timing and spectroscopic analysis) and the contemporaneous optical data (spectroscopy and photometry). The activities of the researcher are embedded in a group that actively participates in the eROSITA mission and the XMM-Newton Survey Science Centre. The group is involved in follow-up programs of eROSITA sources with SDSS-V and 4MOST. The successful applicant will become member of the German eROSITA collaboration.

Applicants need to hold a PhD in astrophysics, physics, or a related field at the beginning of the appointment. Programming experience, preferably in Python, is necessary. Prior experience in the field of compact accreting binaries will be of advantage. Experience with the processing of X-ray data and standard analysis techniques are important. Good English skills (written and spoken) are essential.

The salary is based on professional experience and expertise following the German public service collective agreement (TV-L) with a pay grade of E13. Social benefits included in TV-L are the company pension VBL and disability and survivors' benefits as well as a subsidy for the public transport ticket. The initial appointment will be for 1 year with a planned extension dependent on the success with grant proposals. AIP offers flexible working hours, good opportunities for internal and external training, and an open-minded and cooperative working atmosphere in a modern working environment, very well equipped and located in the middle of a World Heritage Site.

Applications received until 31 October 2026 will receive full consideration. Equal opportunities are an integral part of the personnel and organisational development at the AIP, and we therefore strongly encourage female scientists to apply. People with disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified and skilled. Application documents will be kept for at least three months after completion of the appointment process. The documents will be made available to a selection committee and to other committees and officers to be involved.