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Applications are invited for a four-year PhD position on the formation of multiple stellar populations in star clusters.

The discovery that most globular clusters contain multiple stellar populations has revolutionized our way of thinking about how massive star clusters form and evolve. According to the self-enrichment scenario, gas enriched by nuclear reactions in relatively massive stars and expelled by their slow winds accumulates deep in the gravitational potential well of the cluster and cools to form a new generation of stars. The aim of this project is to examine this scenario in detail, by performing self-consistent simulations of massive clusters. Using the recently developed AMUSE software framework we will model simultaneously the gravitational stellar dynamics, the evolution of the stars and the hydrodynamics and radiative feedback of the gas in the cluster.

The PhD student will work under supervision of Dr. Onno Pols at the Department of Astrophysics of Radboud University Nijmegen, and in close collaboration with the AMUSE development team at Leiden Observatory led by Prof. Simon Portegies Zwart. The successful candidate will join a young and vibrant research department that has recently undergone a strong expansion. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in (astro)physics at the start of the PhD project. Preference will be given to candidates having substantial experience with numerical modelling. A starting date in early 2013 is anticipated.

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research experience and motivation, a list of courses and grades and  the contact details of two referees. Applications received by November 15, 2012 will be given full consideration.