The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Göttingen (Germany) invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in solar physics. The solar department at the MPS has leading participations in high-profile solar space missions, such as Solar Orbiter, Solar-C, MUSE. In particular, it is the PI institute of the Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager on Solar Orbiter (SO/PHI). In addition, the Institute leads the Sunrise stratospheric solar observatory, is involved in ground-based observational programs and provides outstanding opportunities for theoretical and numerical work. The research fields include the solar magnetic field, physics of the photosphere, chromosphere, transition region and corona, solar activity, as well as solar variability and its influence on climate. Solar flares are expected to become a new focus of the research at the department.
Successful applicants are expected to support the SO/PHI scientific operations, contribute to the calibration of the obtained data and pursue research related to the current research topics of the department, based on the analysis of SO/PHI data.
Applicants should have a PhD (or soon to be expected PhD) in solar physics or a closely related field, an outstanding research record, and relevant experience solar instrumentation, observations, data analysis, or theory/numerical modelling.
The positions will become available at the beginning of 2027 and are initially limited to two years, with the possibility of an extension, depending on the availability of funding. Remuneration corresponds to grade EG 13 of the TVöD pay scale of the German civil services. The positions offer the possibility of working with one of the leading and most innovative solar missions, with primary access to observation planning, data reduction, and scientific exploitation of the only existing solar magnetograph flying close to the sun and leaving the ecliptic.
Applications should include a CV, a publication list, a statement of research interests (max. 2 pages) and the names and contact details of three scientists willing to provide reference letters. The deadline for applications is 15 October 2026. More information on the webpage.