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Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik
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Über Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik
MPE is a world-renowned institute in both space- and ground-based experimental astrophysics, playing leading roles in numerous major astronomical missions and projects. The high-energy group carries out major space hardware activities supporting its astrophysics research program, including developing X‑ray detectors and X‑ray optics. It is the lead institute for the NewAthena/WFI Consortium and responsible for delivering the instrument to ESA for an anticipated launch in 2038. The High-Energy Group has also contributed significantly to missions such as Chandra and XMM–Newton, led the development of the eROSITA X‑ray telescope and is a partner in Einstein Probe and eXTP.
Project Scientist (m/f/d) for Wide Field Imager Instrument for NewAthena X‑ray Observatory
Reference number 26/2025
The position will be based within the High-Energy Astrophysics Group at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching, led by Prof. Kirpal Nandra.
The WFI is one of two scientific instruments planned for NewAthena . Based on state-of-the-art DEPFET technology developed by the Max Planck Semiconductor Laboratory, it will deliver spectroscopic imaging over a large field of view (40′ × 40′), with high spatial resolution, excellent temporal resolution, and good spectral resolution in the 0.2-15 keV energy band. Thanks to its unprecedented survey capabilities, the WFI will address a broad range of key scientific goals: tracing the origin and distribution of metals in the Universe; probing the physical processes that govern the evolution of baryons within dark matter halos; exploring how supermassive black hole growth shapes galaxy evolution; constraining the equation of state of ultra-dense matter in neutron stars; and contributing to multi-messenger astrophysics by jointly studying cosmic explosions and mergers using both gravitational wave and electromagnetic observations. In addition, a dedicated fast detector will provide
exceptional high-count-rate capabilities, enabling the detailed study of the brightest X‑ray sources in the sky.
Aufgaben
- Advising the Instrument Principal Investigator, Prof. Kirpal Nandra, on strategies to optimize the scientific performance of the instrument
- Leading the development and refinement of the WFI science case
- Chairing the WFI Science Team (WST)
- Evaluating the scientific impact of changes in instrument performance and supporting efforts to optimize the instrument design
- Identifying scientific requirements for data products and analysis tools to be provided to the broader community
- Acting as a key interface between the instrument development team and the wider science community, and other NewAthena stakeholders
- Coordinating the international WFI Consortium together with the WFI Project Office
Fähigkeiten
- Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy or Astrophysics
- At least three years of full-time postdoctoral experience
- Scientific expertise in one or more of the WFI’s core science areas is highly desirable
- Experience with X‑ray instrumentation and/or data analysis is considered an important asset
Standort
Adresse
Garching bei München, Deutschland