The Thüringer Landessternwarte (TLS) is a state-owned observatory located near the university town of Jena. The TLS conducts research in various fields, including the study of the Sun, extrasolar planets, diffuse magnetised plasma in galaxies and clusters of galaxies, and radio galaxies. The TLS is striving to form a research focus on cosmic plasma physics and space weather. The TLS operates the 2m Alfred Jensch telescope and participates in numerous instrumentation projects. It also operates an international station of the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) and is installing a 6m radio telescope. The TLS is also involved in large observing campaigns conducted with the MeerKAT radio telescope. The TLS collaborates closely with Friedrich Schiller University in Jena and offers astronomy lectures at Leipzig University.
The Extragalactic and Radio Astronomy department at TLS is seeking to strengthen its profile in the study of cosmic magnetism and non-thermal effects in the intergalactic medium, in galaxy clusters and in galaxies, using large radio telescopes such as LOFAR, MeerKAT and the Deep Synoptic Array, and, in the future, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory. TLS is therefore offering a position in radio astronomy, which can be filled at any career level (from PhD to postdoctoral and tenured staff).
We offer a major involvement in LOFAR projects, strongly support the participation in one more several LOFAR Large Programmes, in the MeerKLASS collaboration and in the MPIfR-MeerKAT Galactic Plane Survey (MMGPS). We also offer hands-on observing with the 6m radio telescope, which is currently under construction, as well as access to substantial local computing resources. In addition, we offer a stimulating research group and institute environment.
We expect the successful applicant to have relevant experience in the study of cosmic magnetism and/or non-thermal processes in galaxies or the ICM, appropriate to their career stage. We also expect her/him to have substantial experience of analysing radio-interferometric data and to be willing to strengthen TLS's involvement in LOFAR, MeerKLASS and/or MMGPS. The successful candidate should also be willing to actively strengthen the research group at TLS.
We are offering a tenure-track position to a strong post-doctoral researcher who has the potential to conduct independent research and to lead an own research group.
The TLS aims to increase the number of women in research and teaching, and actively encourages female applicants. Disabled applicants will be given preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.
The position is remunerated at the pay scale TV-L 13, at PhD level a 50% position is offered. The position is intended to start as soon as possible. In case the position is filled as tenure-track, an assessment will take place after two years. For the expected positive outcome the position will be converted into a staff scientist position.
Applicants should send a brief CV, including a list of publications and an intended research program up to three pages. They may also indicate a preferred start date. They should also name three persons which may provide a reference letter. All documents should be sent electronically to the email address: stellenausschreibung@tls-tautenburg.de.
Applications received by Wednesday, 16 October, 2026, will be given full consideration.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Matthias Hoeft,
Thüringer Landessternwarte Tautenburg,
hoeft@tls-tautenburg.de