Applications are invited for two 4-year PhD positions to begin in Fall 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidates will work with Dr. Anna Watts on the physics of neutron starquakes. They will join a team exploring how and where stress builds up in a neutron star, and what happens when a starquake is triggered. One project will focus on the development and release of magnetic stresses in the solid crusts of neutron stars, while the other will explore the role of the nuclear fluids that penetrate the crust. Although both projects are primarily theoretical, ample opportunities exist for involvement in new missions such as the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope, and upcoming radio telescopes including LOFAR. The successful candidates will interact with a wide network of international collaborators, and the positions come with funds for travel and computers.
Applicants must have a Masters degree or equivalent in Physics or Astronomy, and be reasonably fluent in English. The gross salary is on the Dutch university scale (2042€/month in the 1st year, increasing to 2612€/month by the 4th year), with good social and medical benefits plus holiday and end-of-year bonuses. PhD students are expected to spend about 20% of their time assisting with undergraduate courses.
Interested candidates should submit via email (to the address below) a concise letter of interest, a CV, an official list of courses taken and grades, and a publication list (if appropriate). They should also arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent to the same address. Review of applications will begin on February 15th 2010 and continue until the positions are filled. Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged.
The Astronomical Institute ‘Anton Pannekoek’ is a lively international research institute with about 20 faculty/postdocs, 20-25 PhD students and a similar number of Masters students. English is the working language. The institute is only 20 minutes from the heart of Amsterdam, in a new building on the Amsterdam Science Park.
Further information/applications: By email to Dr. Anna Watts, A.L.Watts[AT]uva.nl
Institute webpage http://www.astro.uva.nl
Group webpage http://www.astro.uva.nl/~awatts