The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Göttingen conducts fundamental research in the field of solar system sciences. With its approximately 300 staff members, it is one of the leading institutes in the field of solar physics and planetary science. In particular, the institute is involved in numerous international space missions. The Planetary Science Department at the MPS invites applications for several

Postdoctoral positions (f/m/d) in planetary geochemistry and cosmochemistry

One major research focus at the Planetary Science Department is to investigate the history of the Solar System and the formation and differentiation of planets through laboratory analyses of extraterrestrial samples. To this end, new analytical facilities at MPS include a clean laboratory for low-blank sample preparation, two Neoma^® MC-ICPMS, a Triton XT^® TIMS, an iCAP^® TQ-ICPMS, and a laser ablation system.

Your tasks

The successful candidate is expected to work on one of the following research topics:

• Isotope anomalies in meteorites and their components for understanding the early evolution of the solar accretion disk, and the relationship between meteorites and the building blocks of the planets
• Short-lived radionuclides for dating early Solar System processes, including the formation of meteorite components and the accretion, differentiation, and cooling of planetesimals
• Mass-dependent isotope variations for tracing chemical fractionations among planetary bodies, including volatile element depletion and internal differentiation

Interested candidates should outline which of these three research areas they prefer and are welcome to propose own research ideas and projects.

Our offer

The positions are available starting September 1, 2022, but the starting date is negotiable. Initial appointment is for two years, renewable for up to three additional years, contingent on good progress and funding availability. Remuneration is according to the German public salary scale TVÖD-Bund E13, and depends in detail on qualification and experience. Social security benefits are in accordance with the public service regulations.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equity and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are explicitly encouraged, but some limitations due to the access to clean room laboratories may apply.

Your application

Applications should include a CV, statement of research interests, and the names and contact information of three references. Please combine all documents in the order listed above in a single pdf. All application materials are due by June 12, 2022 and must be submitted using our online application portal (www.mps.mpg.de > English > Carreer > Job offers > Call > Online application). The application deadline may be extended if the position has not yet been filled.

Only for inquiries, please contact Thorsten Kleine (kleine@mps.mpg.de). Only for assistance submitting the application, contact the director’s assistant, Silvia Schirmer (kleine-office@mps.mpg.de). Please do not send applications to these email addresses. Such applications are not accepted. For further information about the institute please visit our homepage https://www.mps.mpg.de.

Your profile:

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in cosmochemistry or isotope geochemistry. Although different backgrounds will be considered, experience in clean laboratory procedures and mass spectrometry techniques is especially desirable.