Two ERC-funded Postdoctoral positions in Theoretical/Computational Astrophysics

The University of Insubria on lake Como invites expressions of interest for two Postdoctoral positions in Theoretical/Computational Astrophysics.

We are seeking ambitious, highly-qualified postdoctoral researchers to join the new ERC-funded "GalFlow” research group led by Prof. Mattia Sormani that aims to understand the processes responsible for the inward transport of matter to the centre of galaxies and the feeding of supermassive black holes.

Successful candidates will be expected to play a leading role in answering key open questions in the areas of galactic dynamics, star formation, the building of galactic centres and the fuelling of supermassive black holes. The main goals will be: 1) To carry out cutting-edge magneto-hydrodynamical simulations to understand the physical processes responsible for the transport of matter in the centre of the Milky Way; 2) The development of new analytical/numerical stellar dynamical models of the nuclear bulge of the Milky Way. Candidates will also have ample opportunities to develop their own independent research lines.

We invite applications from all candidates with theoretical and/or computational background, broadly defined. Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy, physics or a related field.

Successful candidates will have access to excellent supercomputing facilities. The GalFlow group has strong collaborative ties with other groups in Heidelberg (Germany), Oxford (UK), Granada (Spain) and to the international collaborations PHANGS (https://sites.google.com/view/phangs/home ), ACES (https://sites.google.com/view/aces-cmz/home ), ECOGAL (http://www.ecogal.eu/ ) and TIMER (https://www.muse-timer.org/ ). The appointments will be for 2+2 years, with an initial period of 2 years and likely extension for another 2 years, subject to performance. The starting date is expected to be in September/October 2024, but can be negotiated.

Benefits:

• Net salary in the range €2000-3000/month (significantly higher than national average)
• Generous funds for travel, computing and publication.
• Ample opportunities for spending extended periods at prestigious institutions around the world to work with collaborators.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

Applications should be submitted electronically as a single pdf file to Prof. Mattia Sormani ([email protected] ) by 20th March, 2024. Please arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to the same email address by the same date.

For all inquiries and more details, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Mattia Sormani ([email protected] ).

Join us in exploring the mysteries of the universe and advancing the frontiers of theoretical astrophysics at the University of Insubria on the shores of beautiful Lake Como.