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Postdoctoral position in high-res spectroscopy of intermediate- and high-mass stars in the context of space missions

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/belgium.png Belgium
  • University/Institute Name KU Leuven
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position DurationSee Position Description
  • Position Funding Type Postdoc Salary or Fellowship
  • Application deadlineExpired
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Position Details (Postdoc)

The selected candidate will be integrated within the research groups of Prof. Hugues Sana and Dr. Andrew Tkachenko of the Institute of Astronomy (IoA) of KU Leuven in Belgium. The IoA is a young and vibrant research group of some 80 scientists, engineers, and administrative staff, including 7 full-time and 3 part-time professors. The institute is an expertise center in stellar physics and is active in several international consortia and collaborations. All members of IoA have access to parallel and supercomputing facilities. The IoA is further responsible for the organisation of the 2-year Master programme in Astronomy & Astrophysics of the Faculty of Science, and operates the 1.2m Mercator telescope at Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma Observatory, Canary Islands.
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Responsibilities

We invite candidates to apply for a postdoc position as part of the scientific exploitation of the Mercator Observatory, La Palma, Spain. The project will leverage large observing programmes with the high-resolution HERMES spectrograph, combined with space-based data from ongoing and near-future space missions. The end goal is to address shortcomings in our understanding of stellar structure and evolution of binary systems hosting intermediate- and high-mass stars. Specifically, the first part of the project will focus on the synergy with upcoming Gaia DR4 and the complementary ground-based follow of target of interests, such as (candidate) dormant binaries with compact objects, stripped stars and other key intermediate- and high-mass star evolutionary stages. A second part of the project will be related to the preparation, commissioning and early science exploitation of the CubeSPEC technology demonstrator mission, aiming at long spectroscopic time series of beta-Cepheid pulsators.

Profile

Postdoc applicants must hold a PhD in astrophysics or an equivalent diploma. The ideal candidate has a strong observational and data analysis background, including expertise relevant for spectroscopy and/or astrometric analysis of massive stars. Prior experience with combining various observational techniques, calibrations, or relevant modelling or theoretical background will be viewed positively by the selection committee. Proficiency in English is required.

Offer

The successful postdoc applicant will be offered a 1(+1)-year contract, with the additional 1-year being awarded after positive evaluation. The salary will be commensurate to the standard scale for postdoc researchers in Belgium and will depend on the number of years of experience after PhD. In addition, you will receive a generous package of pay and non-pay benefits, including a holiday bonus, end-of-year bonus, holiday allowance, free hospital insurance, free public transport when commuting, a bicycle allowance, staff discount scheme, access to our sports and cultural facilities at special rates, etc.
The postdoc will be encouraged to take up training in science and people management, science communication and grant application writing with the aim to develop a personal independent career track as well as engaged in the supervision of bachelor and master students. As part of the employment requirements, postdocs at the IoA have to take up support teaching tasks in one of the Bachelor (in Dutch) or Master (in English) programmes or other service duties, for at maximum of 20% of their working time.
The foreseen starting date shall be between June 1st and November 1st 2026 but can be negotiated.

Interested?

The application package should contain:
(i) a curriculum vitae, with a publication list if relevant. On the last page, it should include the names and email addresses of two reference persons (references letters are NOT required at this stage; these will only be asked for the short-listed candidates
(ii) a statement of interest (max. one page);
(iii) a summary of the research experience (max. 3 pages)
The short-listed applicants will be invited for an interview (live or via video-call) in the week of March 9th.
Further information on the positions and on the project may be obtained by contacting the promotor of the project, Prof. Hugues Sana, by email ([emailprotected]) or phone (+32-16-37.43.61)

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

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