Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research
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PhD project: Characterization of magnetic star-planet interaction in the time domain Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Astronomy
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 1, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research

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About this position
PhD project at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Göttingen, Germany, on the characterization of magnetic star-planet interaction in the time domain.
The project sits at the intersection of exoplanetary science, stellar magnetism, and observational astrophysics. It focuses on detecting and characterizing mutual influences between stars and planets, especially the effect of close-in planets on the magnetic activity of their host stars. A key scientific goal is to test whether suspected planet-induced emission recurs on the planetary orbital period, using new and archival XMM-Newton observations.
Depending on the student’s interests, the project can be extended to radio and optical diagnostics, low-mass binary interactions, empirically motivated interaction models, and the design and submission of observing proposals. The work is embedded in a newly formed research team led by Dr. Ekaterina Ilin, with two postdocs and another PhD student working closely on related optical photometric survey science.
The position is well suited to candidates with a background or strong interest in stellar magnetism, exoplanets, X-ray/radio/optical time-series analysis, and scientific programming in Python. The student is expected to take part in workshops and international meetings across the stellar and exoplanet communities.
Entry requirement: a Master degree or equivalent in Physics, excellent English, and preferably prior experience in reducing and analysing X-ray, radio, or other time-series data.
Application deadline: 1 October 2026, 12:00 (Europe/Amsterdam). Start date: 1 February 2027. Applications must be submitted through the online portal. Further information is available on the project webpage.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have a Master degree or equivalent in Physics or a related field. Excellent English is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the reduction and analysis of X-ray, radio or other time-series data, and in scientific programming in Python. Interest in stellar magnetism and/or exoplanetary science is expected.
How to apply
Apply via the online application portal at https://www.application.mps.mpg.de/public/. The posting also refers applicants to https://www.mps.mpg.de/phd/star-planet-interactions for more information.
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