Postdoctoral Position in Star Formation Research – Dynaverse A2.3, Institute for Astrophysics, University of Cologne University of Cologne in Germany

The University of Cologne, one of Europe's largest and oldest universities, is offering a postdoctoral position in the Institute for Astrophysics within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. This opportunity is part of the Excellence Cluster Dynaverse project ARC 2.3a, focusing on star formation research. The project aims to characterize rapid phenomena such as episodic accretion events and their impact on star formation, with a particular emphasis on monitoring transient events and analyzing the physical and chemical structures of high-mass disks.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will participate in monitoring projects to detect transient events in star formation, lead studies on high-mass disks, and characterize their physical and chemical properties. You will compare observational results with physical and chemical models of disk formation, coordinate activities within the Dynaverse project, and interact with other research groups in the Excellence Cluster. The role also includes supervising master and bachelor students involved in the project.

Applicants must have a doctoral degree in astrophysics or a related field, experience with molecular spectroscopic data analysis, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills suitable for an international and diverse environment. Familiarity with modern data analysis methods is preferred. The University of Cologne offers a diverse working environment with equal opportunities, support for work-life balance, advanced training, occupational health management, flexible working models, and the possibility to work remotely. The institution actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities, with preferential consideration for women under the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The position is available from 1 April 2026, full-time (39.83 hours per week), and is limited to a fixed term of three years. Salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the German public sector, subject to relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications. Applications should be submitted online via the University of Cologne job portal, including a letter of motivation, CV, list of publications, and copies of certificates (without a photo). The reference number Wiss2601-11 must be included. The application deadline is 3 April 2026. For further inquiries, contact Professor Peter Schilke at [email protected].