PhD position in back holes and galaxy evolution

The "Donostia International Physics Center" (DIPC) is accepting applications for a pre-doctoral position in the field of astrophysics under the supervision of Silvia Bonoli. The selected candidate will work on the study of the formation and evolution of supermassive black holes and the properties of their host galaxies using models for galaxy formation and state-of-the-art hydrodynamical simulations.  The DIPC is located in Donostia/San Sebastian, a beautiful mid-sized city on the coast of the Spanish Basque Country.

The basic position is of 3 years, with possibility of extending to a 4th year and the starting date is expected to be between June and October 2021. 

The selected candidate will be part of the astrophysics group at the DIPC. The group was recently formed and is rapidly expanding. It has broad expertise in numerical simulations of structure formation (dark matter/hydrodynamical/semi-analytical) and cosmological galaxy surveys. The group is involved in the Euclid and the LISA mission abd J-PAS and the WEAVE-QSO surveys. A large supercomputer is available on-site to all members of the group.  The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art codes and algorithms for performing large N-body simulations and for modelling galaxy evolution, also in collaboration with other European institutions (University of Zurich, the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics and Bicocca University in Milan).

Previous research experience, although appreciated, is not mandatory. Good oral and written skills in English are compulsory. Candidates are expected to be highly motivated, eager of learning and willing to travel internationally for the purpose of research and training.

Interested candidates should submit the following material to  [email protected] (Subject: “Ref. 2021/16"): (i) CV, (ii) academic record, (iii) A letter of motivation, including research interests. Additionally, the candidate should arrange for 2 reference letters to be sent to the same e-mail address

The DIPC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability