2-year postdoctoral position in the field of observations of evolved stars at KU Leuven, Belgium

We seek a postdoc for the ERC Consolidator Grant AEROSOL (2016–2020, PI. Prof. Leen Decin). The project aims to boost our understanding of the physics and chemistry characterising stellar winds around evolved stars, building on observations, theoretical wind models, and laboratory experiments (fys.kuleuven.be/ ster/Projects/aerosol). The candidate will work closely with astrophysicists, chemists, and computational mathematicians. The postdoc will work on reduction, analysis and (radiative transfer) modelling of UV-mm observations, to retrieve geometrical, thermodynamical and chemical structures of stellar winds. The postdoc preferentially has experience with IR-(sub)mm observations and implementing and exploiting (radiative transfer) models to retrieve stellar wind properties. The candidate will have access to observational data, radiative transfer and forward chemistry modelling tools and possibility to develop own (hydro)simulations. 

The contract runs over 2 years (with a possible prolongation of 6 months). Preferred starting date is 1 July 2018, but will be adapted to the candidate’s availability. The candidate must have PhD degree in astrophysics, (theoretical) physics or (applied) mathematics. The application must be sent as one single pdf document including :

• CV (incl publication list)
• Statement of research interests and future plans (max 3 pages) 
• Letter detailing your specific qualifications for the position and your career/educational goals (max 1 page)
• Contact details of 2 references prepared to send confidential recommendation letters when asked

The application should be sent by e-mail to [email protected] with subject “PD-OBS-AEROSOL-applicantname” at the latest by April 15th 2018.