Contact: samaya[AT]astro.ru.nlLocation: Nijmegen, the Netherlands
Applications are invited for two postdoctoral positions at Radboud University in the Netherlands to work on gravitational wave astrophysics and/on electromagnetic counterparts. One position is to work directly with Samaya Nissanke and the other is to work jointly with Gijs Nelemans and Samaya Nissanke. The primary responsibilities of the positions are to lead research projects in gravitational wave astrophysics and electromagnetic counterparts. Researchers working in the areas of theory, observation or instrumentation are invited to apply.
The successful applicants will contribute to several current research programs in gravitational wave astronomy in the group of Gijs Nelemans and Samaya Nissanke, and will work within our collaborations with gravitational wave detectors (e.g., Virgo, LIGO) and with high-energy/optical/radio telescopes (e.g., BlackGEM, https://astro.ru.nl/blackgem/ ; MeerLICHT, http://www.ast.uct.ac.za/meerlicht/MeerLICHT.html; LOFAR, http://www.lofar.org ). They will also be encouraged to develop and pursue their own research programs.
In addition, the positions will be integrated into the Department of Astrophysics, which is part of the Institute of Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics. Complementary research activities in the vibrant department are concentrated in the fields of supermassive and stellar-mass black holes, jets, compact binaries, optical and radio transients, stellar and binary evolution, stellar clusters, cosmic-rays and astroparticle physics, and asteroseismology. The department is part of the Netherlands Research School for Astronomy (NOVA), and has access to major (inter)national research facilities (ESO, ESA, LOFAR/WSRT, ING telescopes, etc.), as well as to major computer facilities, either via a local cluster or national supercomputing facilities.
The postdocs will be part of the collective labour agreement (CAO) of the Dutch universities, scale 10 (2500-3900 Euro gross/month, depending on age and experience). Secondary labor benefits such as health insurance, holiday, end-of-year allowances, and a retirement scheme are included.
Previous experience with gravitational wave astrophysics and/or electromagnetic counterparts is preferred but not required. Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy or physics on arrival. The appointments are intended for an initial period of two years, with renewal for a third year contingent upon satisfactory progress and funding. The starting date for the positions would normally start in September 2016 or earlier. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Samaya Nissanke
(samaya[AT]astro.ru.nl ).
To apply, email a single PDF containing:
– a cover letter
– a current CV, and a list of publications
– a brief (up to 3 pages) research statement of your scientific interests and how you would specifically contribute to research on gravitational wave astrophysics and/or electromagnetic counterparts.
Also please arrange for 3 letters of references (PDFs) to be emailed to samaya[AT]astro.ru.nl . Complete applications received by January 15th, 2016 will receive full consideration. Women and members of other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.