Theoy of massive star evolution

The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy at the University of Amsterdam advertises a 3-year post-doctoral fellowship on the theory of massive star evolution and fate. The candidate will be part of the research group of prof. Alex de Koter.

API has a strong background in research on massive stars and their compact remnants. The research groups led by profs. Alex de Koter and Lex Kaper and dr. Selma de Mink closely collaborate with nearby colleagues at KU Leuven (profs. Hugues Sana and Jon Sundqvist) and the Argelander-Institute in Bonn (prof. Norbert Langer).

The PD should have experience in performing simulations of massive star evolution with MESA or other similar codes. The goal is to model the evolution of massive stars in isolation and in binaries in low-metallicity environments, up to core collapse. These predictions will be confronted to ongoing and planned spectroscopic studies of massive star populations in Local Group dwarf galaxies, including the 30 Doradus central cluster in the LMC which hosts the most massive stars known. Constraining their evolutionary state may identify objects that are merger products, sources on their way to becoming Ibc and pair-instability supernovae, and stars following tracks consistent with chemically homogeneous evolution. A candidate that is also experienced in simulations of binary evolution would be valued.

The Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam offers a stimulating research environment with excellent infrastructure, including super-computer power. The API is actively involved in the use and development of ESO instruments (e.g. VLT/X-shooter, VLT/SPHERE, ELT/Mosaic) and has a long-standing reputation in the fields of massive stars, X-ray binaries, gamma-ray bursts, neutron stars & black holes, proto-planetary disks and exoplanets.

Interested candidates should have obtained a PhD degree in astronomy (or equivalent). We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applications will receive consideration. Salaries are commensurate to the university salary scale for postdoctoral fellows; the position is funded for 3 years. Applications should contain a curriculum vitae, a statement of research experience and motivation, and the names of three references.