Development of advanced computational and statistical methods for Galactic cartography within the Milky Way Atlas project, focusing on Gaussian Process regression frameworks on graphs and integration into scientific computing infrastructure
Requirements:
PhD in astrophysics, physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field; extensive experience with Information Field Theory (IFT); strong expertise with Numerical Information Field Theory (NIFTy); background in Galactic cartography and large-scale structure inference; excellent programming skills (Python, scientific computing environments); experience with high-performance or distributed computing is an advantage; ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment
Text:
:"## Postdoctoral Research Position (m/f/d) | Computational Astrophysicsnn**Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Garching**nn**Type of Job:** Scientist, Astronomy & Astrophysicsnn**Job Code:** 01/2026nn**Job offer from January 29, 2026**nnApplications are invited for a postdoctoral research position focused on the development of advanced computational and statistical methods for Galactic cartography within the framework of the Milky Way Atlas (MW-Atlas) project, an ERC-funded research program.nnThe project is jointly led by Torsten Enu00dflin (MPA, Garching), Philipp Mertsch (RWTH Aachen University), and Vasiliki Pavlidou (IA-FORTH, Heraklion).nnThis position centers on methodological and infrastructure development at the interface of astrophysics, information theory, and scientific computing.nn### Project DescriptionnThe successful candidate will work on the development of a Gaussian Process regression framework on graphs and its integration into:n- the Numerical Information Field Theory (NIFTy) package, andn- the broader MW-Atlas computational infrastructurennThe goal is to enable scalable, information-theoretically consistent inference of Galactic structure from heterogeneous and large-scale astrophysical data sets. The project involves close collaboration between experts in Information Field Theory, numerical inference, and Galactic cartography.nn### Key Responsibilitiesn- Development and implementation of Gaussian Process regression methods defined on graph-based domainsn- Integration of these methods into the NIFTy frameworkn- Contribution to the design and maintenance of the MW-Atlas compute infrastructuren- Collaboration with international project partners on methodological and scientific applicationsn- Documentation and dissemination of methods and results in peer-reviewed journals and at conferencesnn### Required Qualificationsn- A PhD in astrophysics, physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related fieldn- Extensive experience with Information Field Theory (IFT)n- Strong practical expertise with Numerical Information Field Theory (NIFTy)n- Background in Galactic cartography and large-scale structure inferencen- Excellent programming skills (Python and scientific computing environments expected)n- Experience with high-performance or distributed computing is an advantagen- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environmentnn### Working Environment and MobilitynThe position is embedded in a collaborative international research network. The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research at all three partner institutions during the course of the project:n- Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics (MPA)n- RWTH Aachen Universityn- FORTH (Foundation for Research and Technology u2013 Hellas)nnThe distribution of time across institutions will be coordinated within the collaboration and aligned with the scientific goals of the project. Partial remote work is possible, depending on project phase and institutional regulations.nn### Start DatenThe position is available as soon as possible. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.nn### Application InstructionsnApplications should be submitted as a single PDF file [online](https://recruitingapp-5257.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/692/Application/CheckLogin/2?lang=eng) and should include:n- A cover letter describing research interests and relevant experiencen- A CV including publication listn- A brief statement of past and current researchnnReference letters will be requested at a later stage of the selection process. All questions regarding the positions may be directed to [positions@mw-atlas.eu](mailto:positions@mw-atlas.eu).nnApplications received by **February 28, 2026**, will receive full consideration. Later applications will be reviewed until all positions are filled.nnMPA, RWTH Aachen University, and IA-FORTH are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourage applications from such qualified individuals.nnFurthermore, we seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to apply.nnMPA, RWTH Aachen University, and IA-FORTH also wish to increase diversity and equality of opportunity in all respects and welcome applications without regard to factors such as nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.n",
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