PhD Monitor
/Detail
Physical Sciences● OpenPostdoc⏰ 0 days leftPreview

Postdoc for Astronomical Observing Programs

Join the University of Vienna to drive exoplanet research and manage operations at the Leopold Figl Observatory.

Best for:Best for astronomers and astrophysicists with a strong background in observational astronomy, high-precision photometry, and Python-based data processing.

University of Vienna · Vienna, Austria · R2 · Recognised researcher
More professors at University of Vienna
exoplanetsobservational-astronomystellar-astrophysicsinstrumentation
This is a postdoc position — not a PhD studentship.
Deadline
Oct 15, 2026
0 days
Funding
Salaried
€5.0k/mo
Start date
2027-01-01
Full-time
Location
Vienna
Austria

Overview

The University of Vienna invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position to join the Department of Astrophysics and the Figl 2030 project. Based at the University Observatory in Vienna, the successful candidate will help establish and operate major observing programs focusing on transiting exoplanets using Austria's largest optical telescope. Responsibilities include participating in the commissioning of a new wide-field camera system, developing data reduction pipelines, taking observations, and pursuing independent research. The appointment is for 48 months with a preferred start date of January 1, 2027.

postdocastronomyastrophysicsexoplanet transitphotometrytelescope operationsPython

What you'll do

  • Establish and operate observing programs dedicated to exoplanet research at the 1.5 m Leopold Figl telescope.
  • Participate in the commissioning and science verification of the new wide-field camera system.
  • Develop, maintain, and document data reduction and photometry pipelines for high-precision time-series photometry.
  • Coordinate the observatory’s participation in international follow-up programs such as NASA's TESS mission.
  • Lead and contribute to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences.
  • Supervise or co-supervise Bachelor and Master students and involve them in observing activities.
  • Engage in public outreach activities and contribute to departmental administration.
  • Independently conduct courses within the scope of the collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

Degree required: PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field

Language: English; fluency in spoken and written English

Instruction: English

Publications: Research experience in observational astronomy, demonstrated through publications appropriate to your career stage.

Required skills
  • Experience with optical astronomical observations
  • Experience with high-precision photometry and/or time-series analysis
  • Demonstrated research experience in observational astronomy through publications
  • Solid programming skills in Python and experience with astronomical data processing
  • A category B driver’s license or willingness to obtain one shortly after start
Nice to have
Experience with exoplanet transit observations and light curve modelingExperience with telescope operations, instrument commissioning, or remote observingExperience with infrared astronomical observationsHands-on technical or engineering experience with observatory hardware or instrumentationKnowledge of German
Eligibility
  • Must hold a PhD degree in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field by the starting date

Funding & terms

Type
Salaried
Amount
€5.0k/mo
Duration
48 months
Programme
Figl 2030 project
University of Vienna

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-10-15

Prepare your application documents including a CV, publication list, motivation letter, research statement, and PhD certificate. Submit your application through the University of Vienna online job portal by the specified deadline.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Publication list
  • Cover letter
  • Research statement
  • PhD certificate
  • Contact details of references
↗Apply on site

Contact

JA
Prof.
João Alves
Department of Astrophysics
Lab
Leopold Figl Observatory for Astrophysics
University of Vienna
Figl 2030 projectAustria
See the full position

Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.

No card · 10 free AI match scores
Ready to apply?
0 days until the deadline — open this position on its website.