The Max Planck Exoplanet Postdoc is a four-year research position at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Göttingen, Germany. The role focuses on detecting and characterising exoplanets through magnetic star–planet interaction within the PLANETARE project. The official posting lists a start date between January and October 2027.
Candidates need a PhD in physics or astrophysics by the start date and relevant research skills in statistical inference or stellar-magnetic-field modelling. Remuneration follows EG 13 TVöD-Bund. Applications close on October 30, 2026.
Max Planck Exoplanet Postdoc Details
The Max Planck Exoplanet Postdoc sits in the Department Solar & Stellar Interiors at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research. The project develops new statistical and physical methods for finding signs of planet-induced magnetic activity in host stars.
The researcher will work with archival and upcoming observations from missions such as Kepler, TESS and PLATO. The position is part of a small team led by Dr. Ekaterina Ilin and is designed to support independent publications, proposals and conference participation.
Position | Postdoctoral Researcher in magnetic star–planet interaction |
|---|---|
Institution | Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) |
Location | Göttingen, Germany |
Duration | 4 years |
Start window | January–October 2027 |
Pay | EG 13 TVöD-Bund |
Deadline | October 30, 2026 |
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Max Planck Exoplanet Postdoc Benefits
The appointment provides a four-year research period in a leading solar-system and astrophysics institute. Compensation follows Germany’s public-sector EG 13 TVöD-Bund framework, and the project offers access to major space-mission datasets and high-level research infrastructure.
Researchers are supported to lead papers and proposals and to present results at international meetings. The role also offers close collaboration in a focused team working at the intersection of stellar magnetism, exoplanet science and statistical inference.
Also Check: the Max Planck MTL Internship for another Max Planck research opportunity in Germany.
Related opportunity: Applicants comparing another current career opportunity can review NASA Hubble Fellowship Program and compare its eligibility, funding and application timeline with this opportunity.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have a PhD in physics or astrophysics awarded by the position’s start date. The official posting also asks for experience with statistical inference and/or modelling of stellar magnetic fields.
Candidates should be able to work effectively in a research team and have a good command of English. The role is research intensive, so applicants should show a clear connection between their prior work and the PLANETARE project’s star–planet interaction questions.
Also explore: For another published Guidance Gem option in a related area, see MOPGA Visiting Fellowship and compare its eligibility, funding and application timeline with this opportunity.
Requirements and Required Documents
The official posting asks for an informative application package including a cover letter, CV, references and certificates. Applicants should make sure their materials clearly demonstrate the required PhD background and the research methods relevant to the project.
Because the role includes statistical technique development, archival-data analysis and physical modelling, the application should highlight evidence of those skills where applicable. Questions about the post can be directed to the contact named on the official Max Planck listing.
How to Apply for the Max Planck Exoplanet Postdoc
Applications are submitted through the official Max Planck application portal linked from the position page. Candidates should prepare the requested documents before beginning the online submission so that the application can be completed in one consistent package.
Review the official position description carefully before submitting, especially the qualification requirements and start-date window. The current posting identifies late November or early December 2026 as the expected interview period.
Application Deadline
The official application deadline is October 30, 2026. Max Planck states that interviews are expected in late November or early December 2026.
The position may start between January and October 2027, so shortlisted candidates should be ready to discuss availability within that window. Any deadline or schedule change should be checked on the official Max Planck vacancy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
This role is a research job rather than a student scholarship, so the key requirements are the completed PhD, relevant scientific methods and a strong application package. The official vacancy provides the current contract length, pay framework and deadline.
Applicants should use the live Max Planck page as the final source for recruitment details. The answers below summarize the most important verified points.
How long is the Max Planck exoplanet postdoc?
The official posting states a duration of four years.
What degree is required?
Applicants need a PhD in physics or astrophysics, awarded by the start date.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are due by October 30, 2026.
Conclusion
The Max Planck Exoplanet Postdoc is a four-year opportunity for researchers who want to develop new approaches to detecting and understanding magnetic star–planet interactions. It combines statistical method development, space-mission data and physical modelling in a focused Max Planck research environment.
Qualified PhD researchers should prepare the required documents and submit through the official portal by October 30, 2026. Confirm the live vacancy details before applying, especially if the position page is updated during the recruitment period.
