PhD position in extragalactic astronomy
Job Summary
Job Description
The astronomy group at Ghent University (Sterrenkundig Observatorium, UGent) invites applications for a PhD position in extragalactic astronomy. This PhD project is possible thanks to a Senior Research Project grant awarded by the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO) to an international team consisting of Prof. Maarten Baes (UGent), Dr. Angelos Nersesian (UGent), Dr. Suzanne Madden (CEA-Saclay) and Dr. Matt Smith (Cardiff University).
The student will use a combination of UV-mm images of nearby galaxies and synthetic images of simulated galaxies from cosmological hydrodynamical simulations. Both the observed and the synthetic image data sets will be analysed and compared using state-of-the-art modelling tools (radiative transfer modelling, pixel-by-pixel SED fitting, morphological analysis). The goals of the project are to investigate the origin of the ISM scaling relations in galaxies, on both local and global scales, and to critically test the fidelity of the current cosmological hydrodynamics simulations.
Ghent is located in the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium, some 50 km west of Brussels. Ghent is renowned for its beautiful medieval town centre, its lively cultural and music scene, and its vibrant student life. Ghent University is an international, highly rated university with more than 40,000 students. The astronomy group's expanding research interests include nearby galaxies, interstellar medium, hydrodynamical simulations, radiative transfer, galaxy evolution, and observational cosmology.
The position is fully funded for four years. An attractive salary is offered and sufficient funding is available for conferences, visits to collaborators, and work expenses.
Applicants should have a MSc degree in astronomy or a closely related field. The project can start as early as 1 September 2023; a later starting date is negotiable. Applicants should submit their CV directly to [email protected] and arrange for two reference letters to be sent to the same address.
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