Two 2-4 year postdoctoral fellowships and two 4-year PhD positions are available within the Molecular Astrophysics group at the Leiden Observatory for observational and modeling studies of star- and planet formation and their astrochemistry. The postdocs and PhD students will be part of an international team studying the physical and chemical evolution from collapsing cores to protoplanetary disks centered around ALMA data. A wide range of complementary data from Herschel (in the context of the WISH and DIGIT key programs) as well as ground-based infrared and submillimeter spectroscopy is available. One postdoc position will be focussed on developing models to link the chemical composition of disks with that of icy solar system objects such as comets.
The postdoc candidates are expected to co-supervise PhD students and are encouraged to also pursue a personal research program. The postdoc appointments are initially for two years, with the possibility of renewal of 1-2 years. They can start anytime up to Fall 2013.
Candidates with an observational and/or modeling background in astrochemistry, low-mass star formation, circumstellar disks, submillimeter spectroscopy, planet formation and planet population synthesis models are encouraged to apply.
Leiden Observatory carries out observational, interpretative and theoretical research in the fields of the star and planet formation, laboratory astrophysics, galactic structure, the formation and
dynamics of (high-redshift) galaxies and their nuclei, and cosmology. Leiden is a charming university town, within easy reach of the major European centers.
Applications should include a curriculum vitae, publication list, and a brief statement of research experience and interests, and arrange for at least three letters of reference to be uploaded on the relevant website. Deadline for PhD positions is December 15 2012. Review of applications for the postdoc positions will start on November 15 2012.
