PhD student position in planet formation at Radboud University in Nijmegen

A PhD position is available in the area of the formation of planetary systems at the Astronomy Department of the Institute for Mathematics, Astronomy and Particle Physics (IMAPP), faculty FNWI of Radboud University. The project will focus on observational and modeling studies of gas and dust in planet forming disks that will be observed with the MIRI instrument on board of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). MIRI data will be available through Guaranteed Time Observation and General Observer programme teams. The student will collaborate within these international teams. 
The MIRI spectra will allow an unprecedented view on the physical and chemical conditions of gas-rich disks, by measurement of essential carbon- and oxygen bearing species, as well as the composition of the rock forming dust species. These observations will elucidate the conditions in the terrestrial planet forming disk region.  The JWST telescope is a 6.5 meter class space telescope built by NASA with significant contributions from ESA and CSA.
The Netherlands (NOVA) has contributed to the design and calibration of the Mid-InfraRed  Instrument MIRI. Launch of JWST is scheduled for fall 2021.

The Astronomy Department of  Radboud University offers a vibrant scientific environment, with 15 permanent staff members and about 30 PhD students. The Department research covers astro-particle physics, high energy astrophysics, stellar physics, stellar populations in galaxies, the interstellar medium, and planet formation/exoplanets. The Department has close ties to the Institute of Molecules and Materials (IMM) and FELIX, where staff is specialised in the chemistry of molecular clouds, and origin of life.

We invite applications from persons with a Master degree in astrophysics, physics, or chemistry, or equivalent. Applications will include a recent CV, a transcript of academic grades, and a research statement no longer than 2 pages, combined into one PDF. Two letters of recommendation are requested to be sent independently. Please have all material sent to the secretariat of the Astronomy Department, [email protected] .   Appointments will be for a four year PhD contract, with an evaluation after the first 12 months of the appointment.

For further inquiries please contact Prof.Dr. Rens Waters ([email protected]) or Prof. Dr. Inga Kamp ([email protected]).  The deadline for applications is August 15, 2021, or until the position is filled.