PhD position in numerical studies of protostellar disks

Applications are invited for a PhD position in numerical studies of protostellar disks in the Astrophysics group of Prof. Manuel Guedel at the Institute of Astrophysics, University of Vienna, Vienna. The position is funded by the FWF grant “The chemodynamical evolution of circumstellar disks with non-solar metallicities”. The successful candidate will study the chemical evolution of young protostellar disks using sophisticated thermochemical codes (ProDIMO, ANDES) in tight collaboration with chemodynamical studies of protostellar disks led by Dr. Eduard Vorobyov. The project is focused 1) on the implications of low metal content for the chemical and dynamical evolution of young circumstellar disks, 2) on the role of gravitational instability and fragmentation in sub-solar and low-metallicity disks, 3) on the character of protostellar accretion at non-solar metallicities, and 4) on making predictions for observational campaigns of low-metallicity star-forming regions.

The successful applicant should have a background in astrophysics and/or astrochemistry, and also basic knowledge of Fortran, IDL, and Python is desirable.  Her/his tasks will involve modification and improvement of astrochemical codes, as well as performance and analysis of chemical and chemodynamical simulations of circumstellar disks. The candidate should hold a MSc. degree in physics, astronomy or a related field. The appointment will be for three years. The salary is based on the Austrian scale for PhD students (75% employment, gross annual salary € 37,680).  The University of Vienna is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with Austrian laws.

Closing date for application is February 18, 2019, but search will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should send a single PDF file containing a short resume, educational record, and a statement of research interests. Please, also arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent to Dr. Eduard Vorobyov. The preferable starting date is June-July 2019.