Postdoc Research Fellows in Compact Object Accretion

The Virtual Institute for Accretion (VIA) at the University of Amsterdam and Radboud University, Nijmegen invites applications for two postdoctoral fellows (up to four years) in the field of compact object accretion.  VIA is part of an inter-university network of the Dutch top institutions for astronomy (NOVA). Research goals represented at VIA are

• Strong field tests of Einstein GR via Black Hole accretion studies
• Probing the equation of state of accreting neutron stars
• Formation of jets and outflows in connection to accretion and large scale feedback
• Development of spectral timing methodologies across the black hole mass ranges

The successful candidates will collaborate closely with faculty members at the Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy (API) / Amsterdam (Oliver Porth, Anna Watts, Phil Uttley, Sera Markoff and Philipp Mösta) and faculty at Radboud University / Nijmegen (Monika Moscibrodzka, Heino Falcke and Elmar Körding).  Next to outstanding research opportunities along the VIA theme, the applicants will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through coordination of the research network (funded by 1.5M EUR).

Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy and/or physics and a proven track record in (GR)MHD accretion, (non-thermal-) radiative processes or (GR-) radiative transfer and may apply to both of the research nodes:

• Radiative processes in GRMHD simulations of supermassive black holes (Application: Radboud)
• GRMHD modeling of spectral timing signatures in X-ray binaries (Application: API)

The appointments are intended for an initial period of 2 years, with renewal for 2 more years contingent upon performance.  The start of the appointments at either institution is anticipated to be September 2019, with some flexibility.
 

The salary will be in accordance with the university regulations for academic personnel, and will range from €2,640 to €4,166 (salary scale 10) gross per month (based on candidate experience and a fulltime appointment). In addition to this you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end of year bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement (cao) for Dutch universities is applicable. 

Qualified applicants should submit (in a single pdf file):

• cover letter
• CV (including list of publications)
• research statement (up to 3 pages)
• and provide names and email addresses of 3 referees (requested from short-listed candidates)

Applications should be submitted electronically, and only via:

• Application system (Amsterdam node)
• [email protected] (Radboud node, please mention “VIAPD” in the subject line)

Application deadline is the 15th Jan. 2019.
For informal inquiries, you may contact: Dr. Oliver Porth ([email protected]) and Dr. Anna Watts ([email protected]) at API and Dr. Monika Moscibrodzka at Radboud ([email protected]). 

The Faculties of Science at Radboud University and the University of Amsterdam are equal opportunity employers, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such strongly encourage applications from scientists of under-represented groups.