Designation/Position- Postdoctoral Position
The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Göttingen, Germany, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the area of Astronomy & Astrophysics to study the binary active asteroid 288P (300163).
About- Our cosmic home is the main focus of the scientific research performed in the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS): the solar system with its planets and moons, its comets and asteroids, and of course with the Sun.
The researchers develop and build scientific instruments for investigating these bodies in cooperation with engineers who are highly qualified and experienced specialists. The instruments are mainly used in outer space, which is made possible through the institute’s collaboration in numerous missions of international space agencies such as ESA and NASA. The data analysis and interpretation is complemented by theoretical models and simulations.
The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research succeeded the Max Planck Institute for Aeronomy in 2004 by a simple name change. The institute was founded in 1957 in Katlenburg-Lindau. The institute is located close to the Northern Campus of the University of Göttingen. Before, it’s home was Katlenburg-Lindau, a small town 30 kilometers outside of Göttingen.
Research/Job area– Astronomy & Astrophysics
Project Title- Asteroid Science
Location-Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS), Germany
Eligibility/Qualification- Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field. A background in at least one of the fields of asteroid/comet dynamics, asteroid/comet thermal processes or collision processes will be advantageous.
Job/Position Description- The applicant is expected to carry out research on the formation and evolution of the 288P system, focussing on the following topics
- Possible formation of the binary system by rotational splitting and subsequent tidal processes.
- Possible collisional formation of the system.
- Longevity of sublimation activity and influence of the activity on the binary orbit.
- Observational biases and estimated abundance of similar binary systems.
The goal of the work will be to reconstruct the sequence of events and processes that led to the formation of the 288P system.
The position will be for a period of at least 6 months, and up to 3.5 years, depending on the outcome of a funding proposal that has been submitted and is expected to be evaluated by the end of March. The starting date should ideally be on 1 July 2018 or earlier. Remuneration is according to the German public salary scale TVöD, pay level E13. Social security benefits are in accordance with the public service regulations.
How to Apply– Applications should include a description of research interests, curriculum vitae, publication list, proposed starting date and the contact information of two potential referees. Applications should be sent by email as a single pdf file to Jessica Agarwal (agarwal@mps.mpg.de). Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2018 and continue until the position is filled.
