Astrochemistry Postdoctoral positions (m/f/d) | Nanoparticle Experiment

Scientist Garching

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Job Code: 16/2026

Job Offer from August 12, 2026

The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching (Bavaria, Germany) is a world-leading institute in space- and ground-based experimental astrophysics, with leading roles in several large astronomical projects.

The Center for Astrochemical Studies (CAS) at the MPE invites applications for an Astrochemistry Postdoctoral position on Nanoparticle Experiment. The position is specifically targeted at Nano-Particle Mass Spectrometry (NPMS) and its experimental development on the SRET (Split-Ring Electrode Trap) setup at the CAS department.

The successful candidate (m/f/d) must have previous hands‑on experience with:

• Ultra-high vacuum systems (design, construction, day‑to‑day collaboration with the mechanical engineering department/ workshops);
• Light systems - lasers (visible, CW) and reflected light collection;
• Data acquisition systems: design, construction (day‑to‑day collaboration with the electronic engineering department/workshops), and programming (Python, C preferred; LabVIEW acceptable);
• Nanoparticle sources (at least one of: mechanical/ electro acoustic, ESI);
• Radio-frequency ion traps, charged dust traps, or NPMS traps. Although the SRET trap setup, in its current state, has been vacuum- and cryo-tested down to 10 K, it still needs significant work to be usable for well-defined, repeatable scientific experiments.

The main task of the candidate will be to build SRET into a viable setup for scientific experiments of astrophysical relevance, from the hardware through the user control system up to the development of measurement protocols. Therefore, only highly motivated candidates with demonstrable experience in points 1-5 and willingness to work independently can be considered.

CAS hosts experimentalists, observers, and theoreticians who investigate together the chemical and physical evolution of the interstellar medium and star- and planet-forming regions, from clouds to disks, with links to exoplanets and our Solar System.

The start date is expected to January 1st, 2027, or later, with a 3-year guarantee, subject to extension for up to five years. Applicants should have a PhD in physics, chemistry, or a related field before starting.

Salaries will be paid according to pay group E14 of the German public service pay scale (TVöD Bund), with the individual salary level depending on relevant postdoctoral experience.

Applicants should submit their application documents in English and PDF format, including a CV, a list of publications, and a brief (max. 1 page) description of their research interests, by September 15th, 2026. Later applications may also be considered if the position remains unfilled until October 15th, 2026. Applications should be submitted via our application portal.

The names of three referees who can provide letters of recommendation should be included in the application; they will be contacted by the selection committee in case the applicant is short-listed.

Prospective applicants can contact Prof. Paola Caselli for further information.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and to encouraging applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society aims to increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented and encourages women to apply. The Max Planck Society seeks to increase diversity and equality of opportunity in all respects and welcomes applications regardless of nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.