We invite applications for a 4-year PhD position in radio astronomy to study the formation and evolution of stellar mass black holes supervised by Dr. Pikky Atri (PI; ASTRON) and Prof. Peter Jonker (promotor; Radboud University). The PhD candidate will work on understanding the ways in which stellar-mass black holes form, including those in Gamma Ray Bursts and binary neutron star mergers. The PhD candidate will also work on finding the hidden population of black hole X-ray binaries, which will provide insights into the existence and behaviour of a cosmological population of black holes.
The PhD candidate will gain expertise in radio imaging, specifically the technique of Very Long Baseline Interferometry, to do high precision astrometry of black hole systems. They will work in a scientifically invigorating environment and will have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of researchers and engineers both at the Astrophysics department of Radboud University, Nijmegen and at ASTRON, Dwingeloo. The percentage of time spent at each location can be discussed.
Requirements:
a) Strong background in Physics
b) Passion to pursue astronomy research
c) Fluent written and oral communication skills in English
d) Experience with radio astronomy data reduction software is advantageous but is not mandatory.
What we offer:
a) A 4-year PhD position based at Radboud University and ASTRON, wherein the appointment will be through ASTRON.
b) Salary: 2781 gross per month based on working 40 hours
c) Scientifically stimulating atmosphere and working with international collaborations.
d) Funding for traveling to conferences and meetings.
e) Possibility of leading state-of-the-art research projects to drive novel science.
ASTRON is a pioneering institute in the field of radio astronomy, and is establishing a scientifically-rich legacy with its low frequency instruments like LOFAR, mid-frequency
instruments like Westerbork and have close ties with the Joint Institute of VLBI ERIC.
Application deadline: 31st October 2023
Position start date: 1st February 2024
Please note that the start date is flexible based on the candidate’s relocation and visa (if
applicable) requirements.
ASTRON strives for a diverse workforce: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select based on
competences and talents. Therefore, we encourage everyone who recognises themselves in the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, orientation or disability, to apply.
How to apply:
You can apply for this job by sending the following to ASTRON through jobsatastron.nl on or before 31st October, 2023.
a) A cover letter explaining how the candidate fulfils the requirements,
b) A curriculum vitae, and
c) A description of research interests.
Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to [email protected] by the deadline.
Interviews will take place in early December 2023. Offers will be made by the end of December.
Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Information:
For more information about ASTRON look on our website www.astron.nl. For more information on the vacancy content, feel free to contact Dr. Pikky Atri, e-mail: [email protected].
For more information about the vacancy procedure, please contact ASTRON HR, e-mail: [email protected].
