Postdoctoral researcher in Protoplanetary Disk Research

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at the Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy at the University of Amsterdam to work with Prof. Carsten Dominik, and in collaboration with Prof. Inga Kamp (Groningen) and Prof. Rens Waters (SRON/University of Amsterdam) on observations of protoplanetary disks around Herbig stars, both with ALMA and with high-contrast imaging equipment. The primary task of the position is to apply for and use (existing) data from these two instruments, and to exploit these and other data sets with a group of theorists for signs of planet formation and existing young planets, using both dust and gas measurements.  We also have access to proprietary data from SPHERE. The ALMA expertise centre ALLEGRO is in nearby Leiden and provides support for ALMA.

The successful applicant will become part of a growing group studying protoplanetary disks in the context of planet formation.  In our group we develop complex models of protoplanetary disks, based on dust processing, radiative transfer, thermochemical calculations of composition and excitation of the disk gas, and line radiative transfer. The postdoctoral researcher will also be encouraged to develop and pursue their own research program.

Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy and/or physics.  Experience in working with ALMA and SPHERE or similar instrumentation, and an affinity to connect observational data with models will be a plus.  The appointment is intended for an initial period of 2 years, with renewal for a 3rd year contingent upon satisfactory progress.  The starting date for the position is negotiable, starting in fall 2018 or earlier.

The salary will be in accordance with the university regulations for academic personnel, and will range from €2,588 to €4,084 (salary scale 10) gross per month. This is excl. 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end of year bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable. The position comes with ample funding for travel and computers and there are opportunities to supervise Master's and Bachelor's research projects.

We are an equal opportunity employer and greatly value the diverse nature of our institute. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.

Applications for the position at the University of Amsterdam may only be submitted by sending your application via:  [email protected] , quoting vacancy number 17-565 in the subject line.

Your application should include:

• Cover letter
• Current CV, and a list of publications;
• Brief (up to 3 page) research statement of your scientific interests and how you would specifically contribute to the research program on protoplanetary disks.

Also, please arrange for 3 letters of references (PDFs) to be emailed directly to [email protected].

Complete applications received before 15 December 2017 will be given full consideration.  Applications arriving later will be considered until a suitable candidate has been selected.