Two postdoctoral positions in numerical astrophysics

The ERC synergy project "ECOGAL: Understanding our Galactic ecosystem -- From the disk of the Milky Way to the formation sites of stars and planets" brings together European research groups in observational astronomy, numerical astrophysics, instrument development, and astroinformatics, with the goal to build a unifying predictive model of star and planet formation in the Milky Way and to understand the Galaxy as a complex dynamically evolving ecosystem. The main participating institutions are CEA Saclay, Heidelberg University, INAF Rome, and ESO Garching.

The teams at CEA Saclay and at Heidelberg University are seeking candidates to fill two postdoctoral research positions in theoretical and numerical astrophysics. The postdoctoral researcher in Saclay will focus on modeling the formation and evolution of star clusters in molecular clouds and perform zoom-in simulations to resolve individual protostellar and protoplanetary disks. Emphasis of the postdoctoral research position in Heidelberg lies on the global evolution of the Milky Way and the large-scale dynamics of the interstellar medium including zoom-in calculations to scales of individual molecular clouds. The successful candidates are expected to design, carry out, and analyze high-resolution multi-physics simulations. They will work as part of a larger team with frequent visits at the other ECOGAL sites. Previous experience in high-performance computing, in conducting hydrodynamical cosmological simulations, in analyzing large data sets, in writing/modifying multi-purpose codes such as Ramses or Arepo, and/or in ISM dynamics and star and planet formation modeling in general is desired.

Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field. The appointment will be for an initial period of three years with further extensions possible. The position at CEA Saclay is paid according to CEA rules. The position at Heidelberg University is paid according to the German system of state employees. Both come with full benefits together with a generous research and travel budget.

All application material and references letters for the post at CEA Saclay should be sent to Dr. Patrick Hennebelle at [email protected]. Applications for the position at Heidelberg University should be sent to Prof. Ralf Klessen at [email protected]. Further information can be requested at the above e-mail addresses.  

To receive full consideration, interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, publication list, and a brief statement of research interests by December 31, 2019, and arrange for three letters of reference to be provided separately by the same date. We expect to make an offer by February 15, 2020. Later applications will be considered if all positions have not been filled.