Potsdoctoral position (f/m/x) Institute for Astrophysics
Potsdoctoral position (f/m/x)
Institute for Astrophysics
We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.
A postdoctoral position is available in the Institute for Astrophysics at the University of Cologne in the field of star formation research in the Excellence Cluster Dynaverse project ARC 2.3a. The long term goal of the project is to characterise rapid phenomena such as episodic accretion events and their impact on star formation. Besides monitoring to find such events the project involves characterisation of physical and chemical disk structures and their relationships to rapid events.
YOUR TASKS
- Participating in monitoring projects to find transient events in star formation
- Leading the study of high-mass disks, characterize their physical and chemical properties and relate those to transient events
- Comparing the results with physical and chemical models of disk formation
- Coordinating activities within the project, and the interaction with other project in the Dynaverse Excellence Cluster
- Participating in the supervision of master and bachelor students in the project
YOUR PROFILE
- Applicants are required to have a doctoral degree in astrophysics or a related field
- Experience with analysis of molecular spectroscopic data
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in an international and diverse environment
- Familiarity with modern data analysis methods
WE OFFER
- A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
- Support in balancing work and family life
- Extensive advanced training opportunities
- Occupational health management offers
- Flexible working time models, full-time positions suitable for job sharing
- Opportunity to work remotely
The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.
The position is available from 1 April 2026 on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week). It is limited for a fixed term of three years. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and has the appropriate personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.
Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications (letter of motivation, CV, list of publications, copies of certificates) without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de.
The reference number is Wiss2601-11. The application deadline is 3 April 2026.
For further inquiries, please contact Peter Schilke (pschilke@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.