Postdoctoral positions in theoretical and computational astrophysics and cosmology

The Institute for Computational Science (ICS) at the University of Zurich invites applications for several postdoctoral research associate positions (PDRAs) in theoretical and computational astrophysics and cosmology. Preference will be given to the following research areas: star and galaxy formation, astrophysical black holes and gravitational wave sources, astrophysical disks, large scale structure and relativistic cosmology. ICS faculty members are heavily involved in large observational projects and space missions  such as SKA, EUCLID and LISA.  Faculty members who would primarily act as hosts of the PDRAs include Professors Lucio Mayer, Joachim Stadel, Julian Adamek, Doug Potter, Robert Feldmann, and Aurel Schneider. Other faculty members working at ICS in the aforementioned areas are Professors Romain Teyssier, Jaiyul Yoo,  Ben Moore and Prasenjit Saha. A new Data Science Group will join ICS in 2021, broadening the already vigorous computational research program of ICS.

Candidates with a strong theoretical or computational background are especially encouraged to apply. Expertise in dark energy / modified gravity is highly relevant for one of the positions, that will be on the non-linear modelling of dark energy in cosmological simulations with Professor Julian Adamek. Appointments are initially for two years with a possibility of further extension upon satisfactory performance. A PhD degree in Physics, Astronomy or in a neighboring discipline is required at the starting date of the appointment. Annual salaries are in the range of CHF 85,000-95,000. The scientific computing infrastructure at the University of Zurich is excellent and includes dedicated access to the top notch facilities of the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre in Lugano. Zurich offers a very dynamic and international living environment and is consistently ranked as one of the world's best cities for quality of living by the Mercer survey. 

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae including list of publications, a research statement summarizing past research achievements and future research plans (max. 2 pages), and arrange should arrange for at least 3 letters of recommendation to be uploaded to Academic Jobs Online prior to the deadline of December 1st, 2020, at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/17200.

Review of applications will begin immediately. Only complete applications received on or before this date will receive full consideration. Following the initial selection process based on the submitted application documents, suitable candidates may be invited to remote interviews.

For any inquiries please contact directly Prof. Lucio Mayer ([email protected]).