The Erlangen Centre for Astroparticle Physics (ECAP) was founded in January 2008 in order to bundle the research experience available at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in the area of astrophysics and astroparticle physics. Scientists work at the institute for experimental physics in Erlangen and at the University's observatory in Bamberg. Research at ECAP covers stellar astrophysics, compact objects in X-ray binaries, Active Galactic Nuclei, and TeV astronomy, as well as the participation in astroparticle physics projects, especially in neutrino astronomy. ECAP research staff currently comprises eleven professors and more than eighty scientists (PhD students and postdoctoral researchers). Weekly seminars on subjects covered by ECAP research, as well as specialized teaching activities ensure the exchange and education in the whole of high-energy astro(particle) physics.

Successful applicants will be based at the astronomical institute of the University, the Dr. Karl Remeis-Sternwarte.  The observatory is housed in a 19th century building close to the historic city center of Bamberg (which is an UNESCO world heritage site) and is currently being renovated. The observatory staff consists of 20 researchers, including three professors, who perform research in the areas of stellar astrophysics, neutron stars and black holes, active galaxies, using ground based (e.g., ESO VLT, Keck, etc.) and space based (XMM-Newton, INTEGRAL, Chandra, Suzaku, RXTE, Swift, Fermi,...) instrumentation.