Project Scientist - Wide Field Imager Instrument for NewAthena X-ray Observatory

Project Scientist - Wide Field Imager Instrument for NewAthena X-ray Observatory

MPE - Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics

Garching, Germany

The WFI is one of two scientific instruments planned for NewAthena. Based on state-of-the-art DEPFET technology developed by the Max Planck Semiconductor Laboratory, it will deliver spectroscopic imaging over a large field of view (40′ × 40′), with high spatial resolution, excellent temporal resolution, and good spectral resolution in the 0.2-15 keV energy band. Thanks to its unprecedented survey capabilities, the WFI will address a broad range of key scientific goals: tracing the origin and distribution of metals in the Universe; probing the physical processes that govern the evolution of baryons within dark matter halos; exploring how supermassive black hole growth shapes galaxy evolution; constraining the equation of state of ultra-dense matter in neutron stars; and contributing to multi-messenger astrophysics by jointly studying cosmic explosions and mergers using both gravitational wave and electromagnetic observations. In addition, a dedicated fast detector will provide exceptional high-count-rate capabilities, enabling the detailed study of the brightest X-ray sources in the sky.

Your tasks:

• Advising the Instrument Principal Investigator, Prof. Kirpal Nandra, on strategies to optimize the scientific performance of the instrument
• Leading the development and refinement of the WFI science case
• Chairing the WFI Science Team (WST)
• Evaluating the scientific impact of changes in instrument performance and supporting efforts to optimize the instrument design
• Identifying scientific requirements for data products and analysis tools to be provided to the broader community
• Acting as a key interface between the instrument development team and the wider science community, and other NewAthena stakeholders
• Coordinating the international WFI Consortium together with the WFI Project Office

Your qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy or Astrophysics
• At least three years of full-time postdoctoral experience
• Scientific expertise in one or more of the WFI’s core science areas is highly desirable
• Experience with X-ray instrumentation and/or data analysis is considered an important asset