Postdoctoral fellowships in star- and planet formation, astrochemistry

Two postdoctoral positions of 3-4 years each will be available within the Molecular Astrophysics group of Prof. dr. Ewine van Dishoeck located at Leiden Observatory, the Netherlands. The positions are centered around JWST-MIRI and NIRSPEC (guaranteed and open time) spectroscopic observations of protostars and planet-forming disks to trace - in concert with ALMA data - the journey of molecules from clouds to disks and the inventory of the material that will form planets.

One position will be observationally oriented by working directly with the JWST observations: the Leiden group has access to several hundred hours of guaranteed and open time data that target a variety of lines of molecules and ices in a wide range of sources. The second position focuses on physico-chemical models of the excitation, chemistry and evolution of molecules in the planet-forming zones of disks.

The postdocs will be part of a diverse international team studying the physical and chemical structure and evolution of protostars and disks. They are expected to support and co-supervise PhD or MSc students, and are encouraged to also pursue a personal research program.  The positions can start anytime in summer 2022 or later.

Candidates with an observational or theoretical background in astrochemistry, star- and planet formation, planet-forming disks, and/or familiarity with infrared or submillimeter spectroscopy, are encouraged to apply.

Leiden Observatory is a lively world-class institute carrying out observational, interpretative and theoretical research in the fields of the star and planet formation, laboratory astrophysics, exoplanets, the formation, dynamics and evolution of (high-redshift) galaxies and their nuclei, and cosmology. Postdocs are appointed as civil servants with full benefits. Leiden is a charming town with easy connections to other European countries.

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, publication list, and a brief statement of research experience and interests, and arrange for at least three letters of reference to be uploaded on the relevant website.  Review of applications will start on November 1 2021.

The positions are financed by the European Research Council through EU Advanced Grant MOLDISK.