Tenure-Track Staff Scientist in Theory & Simulation of Exoplanetary Atmospheres

The University Observatory Munich (German acronym: USM) of the Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) is seeking a tenure-track staff scientist specialising broadly in the theory and simulation of exoplanetary atmospheres. The ideal candidate is intellectually independent and simultaneously able to work collaboratively within the Chair of Theoretical Astrophysics of Extrasolar Planets led by Prof. Dr. Kevin Heng; a "Chair" in the German academic system is a sub-department or intellectual ecosystem. Within this Chair are two research groups in planet formation (Profs. Drs. Barbara Ercolano and Til Birnstiel), as well as three other staff scientists in observations, climate modeling and high-performance computing, and geochemistry. The Chair operates as a confederation of experts; it also hosts independent postdoctoral fellows from the Fraunhofer Schwarzschild Fellowship Program.

The successful candidate will co-run the Exoplanets & Exoclimes research group with Prof. Dr. Kevin Heng and serve as its deputy group leader. Some fraction of the successful candidate's time will be spent working closely with Prof. Dr. Heng and implementing computer programs (writing code) for key projects; the details of the time spent and key projects to be worked on are negotiable and the subject of iterative discussion. The rest of the successful candidate's time is dedicated to independent research, co-supervising students, teaching and enriching the intellectual environment of the USM. There are ample opportunities for leadership positions (e.g. being involved in international consortia, leading working groups) if desired. Upon obtaining habilitation at LMU, the successful candidate will be able to independently supervise students.

Salary and benefits are paid according to the German public service pay agreement A13 (in German: "Beamter"). The advancement of women in science is an integral part of the university's policy. Therefore, women are especially encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities will be given preference to other applicants with equal qualifications. German language skills are not required. The staff scientist position (in German: "Akademischer Rat auf Lebenszeit") is made permanent after a probation period and subjected to satisfactory performance.

Applicants should submit the following components within a SINGLE PDF FILE: a CV (2 pages), publication list (no limit), statement of past, present and future research interests (4 pages). Please name the PDF file "lastname.pdf", where "lastname" is the last name of the applicant (all lower case). Three (or more) letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the email submission address stated; the letters should not be sent by the applicant, but by the letter writers. The deadline for submission is 31st December 2022.