The Department of Astrophysics at the Radboud University Nijmegen invites applications for a (4 yr) PhD position to work in the area of accreting white dwarfs and their connection to black hole binaries. The graduate student will work with Dr. Elmar Koerding using theoretical methods and observational data from the Kepler satellite and other optical and radio facilities. The project will focus on establishing empirical connections between accreting white dwarfs and X-ray binaries as well as their astrophysical interpretation.
The Department of Astrophysics is a young, vibrant and international group (~10 faculty, ~10 postdocs, ~30 PhD students) working in the fields of astroparticle physics, compact binaries, stellar evolution, transients, radio astronomy, black holes, magnetic fields and extragalactic astronomy. It is located in the student town Nijmegen, an old (Roman) city, within easy reach of other places in the Netherlands and Germany.
The successful candidate must have a master (or equivalent) in Physics or Astronomy by the starting date. Some experience in radio, optical or X-ray astronomy and in astrophysics of accreting objects would be welcome. Dr. Elmar Koerding may be contacted for informal discussions and further information at e.koerding@astro.ru.nl.
Applications should be sent to pz@science.ru.nl, stating vacancy number 62.74.12, before 15 November 2012, and should contain a curriculum vitae, a brief (1 page max) statement of research experience and interest, and three letters of reference to be sent separately. Review of applications will begin in mid-November 2012 and continue until the position is filled.
