In collaboration with the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung and the Muni University, the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy is publishing the following Postdoc Position in the name of the Muni University, Uganda.

Muni University, a public University in Uganda, is located 3 km south of Arua City centre in the West Nile Subregion, a region with a rich cultural heritage. The University is accessible via a direct domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to Arua Airport (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes), followed by a short 7 km drive to the campus. Alternatively, travellers can reach Arua City by road from the capital city Kampala, a journey of approximately 480 km that takes 7 to 8 hours by bus or private vehicle. Through the unique initiative of the Max Planck Society and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, we have established the Muni University Max Planck-Humboldt Research Unit, focusing on promoting research in astronomy and astrophysics. The objective is to train astrophysicists in planetary science to strengthen this field in Sub-Saharan Africa. The research unit is undertaking joint research activities and training students in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA), Heidelberg, Germany. Therefore, we are looking for an ambitious, self-motivated, talented, and dynamic postdoctoral researcher who is eager to support us in establishing the research unit.

About the Head of the Research Unit

The Head of the Max Planck-Humboldt Research Unit at Muni University is Dr. Geoffrey Andama, currently a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Star and Planet Formation, Globe Institute of the University of Copenhagen. He has always been fascinated by the vast mysteries of the universe, including the formation of planets and planetary systems. His research combines planet formation simulations, the study of dust chemistry, and hydrodynamic modelling of protoplanetary discs to constrain the conditions that give rise to new worlds, which are key ingredients for understanding the origin and evolution of life on Earth. He is deeply passionate about mentoring young scientists and building a strong foundation for astrophysics research in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. By fostering international collaboration, creating networks, and sharing knowledge, he aims to inspire and empower the next generation of African astronomers to explore the universe’s mysteries and make their mark in the global scientific community.

Job description

We are looking for one Postdoc in Planet Formation at Muni University, starting on the February 1, 2026 for the duration of 3 years.

Specification: The successful candidate will work on developing physical models of protoplanetary discs, including chemical models to calculate the chemical composition and evolution of the disc, and will perform numerical simulations of planet formation to constrain the formation of terrestrial planets in the solar system. The candidate is further encouraged to build on previous work within the framework of planet formation models.

Required skills: Strong understanding of broad aspects of formation of stellar systems, including numerical/hydrodynamic simulations of protoplanetary discs and planet formation in the context of core accretion paradigm. Proficient computational skills especially in Python, FORTRAN or C++. A good understanding of the chemistry of the disc is an added advantage.

Career growth: The candidate will have the opportunity to co-supervise PhD students. Optionally, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to mentor master’s students through teaching and supervision.

Package: The position comes with opportunities to attend conferences, travels to MPIA for collaborative work to carry out high quality research, and building a network of collaborators beyond the currently established collaboration with MPIA. The candidate will also have access to the computational resources at the MPIA and the Max-Planck Society.

Mode of Application

Requirements:

• Cover/motivation letter not exceeding 2 pages.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• A copy of PhD and Master of Science certificates. Candidates who are due to complete their Ph.D. thesis before April 30, 2026 are encouraged to apply with a written statement from the supervisor.
• List of publications.
• Letters of reference from two (2) scientists in the field.

Submission: Send by email to maxplanck.humboldt@muni.ac.ug

Deadline: October 31, 2025

Further information: Contact Geoffrey Andama at geoffrey.andama@sund.ku.dk or g.andama@muni.ac.ug