1 software postdoc position and 3 postdoc positions for the SOUL project at KU Leuven

10 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Astronomy » Astrophysics

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

25 Mar 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2024-84

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

(1) A 2-year postdoctoral position with the prospect of an extension up to 4 years. This position is aimed at the construction of numerical 3D magnetohydrodynamic models of stellar atmospheres. The first step is to implement a new physics module in an existing numerical code, either MPI-AMRVAC (in Fortran) or COOLFLUID (in C++). Thus, experience in working with HPC codes and supercomputing is desirable. The new physics module incorporates Alfven and kink wave heating of the stellar atmosphere based on a working 1D proof-of-concept. Then, the new numerical code will be applied to construct models for atmospheres and stellar winds in the cool star regime. For this, experience with stellar magnetic fields and their extrapolation is desirable. Inquiries: [email protected]

(2) A 2-year postdoctoral position with the prospect of an extension up to 4 years. This position is aimed at understanding the gas-phase chemistry and dust nucleation phases in evolved (binary) stars, with a particular focus on Asymptotic Giant Branch stars. The first step will be to include a recently developed neural network emulating gas-phase chemistry (MACE) within the SPH hydrodynamical code PHANTOM allowing on-the-fly gas-phase chemical predictions for complex hydrodynamical systems. Then, we will delve into understanding the impact of vibrational disequilibrium for the formation of dust-forming species. Inquiries: [email protected]
(3) A 2-year postdoctoral position with the prospect of an extension up to 4 years. This position will lead to new constraints on the stellar structure and evolution of massive single, binary or multiple stars. This will be achieved by using ongoing and future large observational campaigns in which KU Leuven is involved, including the BLOeM ESO large program, the Gaia, TESS, UVEX and CubeSPEC space missions. In addition to this, various observing campaigns with the Mercator telescope and ESO facilities are ongoing. With these observations we obtain various samples of massive stars, binary products, stripped stars and binaries with compact objects. The long-term goal is to enable the calibration of uncertain physics affecting populations synthesis computations of gravitational wave progenitors. Inquiries: [email protected]
(4) A 2-year software postdoctoral position with the prospect of an extension up to 4 years. This IT-oriented position will profile and optimise our existing scientific software codes describing the evolution of stellar rotation, magnetism, oscillations, outflows, and tides in clo... For more information see https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60305236

Requirements

Research Field

Computer science

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Benefits

For all posts, we are offering a 2-year fixed term contract of employment with the prospect of an extension of up to 4 years. Salaries for these positions will be commensurate with the salary scale for postdoc researchers in Belgium and will depend on the number of years of experience after PhD.
All contracts include Belgian social security rights, including state pension accrual. Working hours are flexible with an opportunity for partial teleworking. In addition, we offer a generous holiday allowance and benefits package, including a holiday bonus, end-of-year bonus, public transport season ticket, remote working allowance, ecocheques and access to our employee discount scheme. KU Leuven offers access to subsidised childcare.

The short-listed applicants will be invited for an online interview in the week of April 15th 2024. Decisions will be communicated by May 1st 2024, followed by a 1-week term to decide on acceptance or rejection of offered positions.

The preferred starting date for all positions is between August 1st and October 1st 2024.

• Application Deadline: March 25th 2024
• Selection Deadline: May 1st 2024

Eligibility criteria

Applicants with a PhD degree in astrophysics or physics are eligible for all positions. For the software-oriented positions, a PhD degree in computer science, or equivalent qualifications by experience are also acceptable. High proficiency in English is mandatory.

The application package should contain:

• A 1-page cover letter, indicating a motivational statement and a list of all the positions applied for in ranked order of preference;
• A 2-page summary of previous research experience and achievements;
• A 1-page research statement for a single application, in case of multiple applications 2 pages are allowed;
• A curriculum vitae, with a full publication list;
• The names and contact details of three references who are prepared to send confidential recommendation letters should they be requested to do so.

Members of minorities and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply for all positions offered. KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact [email protected] .

Selection process

General Inquiries About SOUL and profiles:
Attention To: Prof. Conny Aerts, Corresponding Principal Investigator SOUL;
Subject: Methusalem Grant SOUL positions;
Email: [email protected]

For questions on the application process: please contact Rose Stanley, [email protected]
You can apply for this job no later than 25/03/2024 via the online application tool

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Vlaams Brabant

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Leuven

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/3kBJMy321kz2E3211ghm

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

STATUS: EXPIRED