Assistant Professor Big Data Astronomy

Employment

0.8 - 1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary

€ 4,332 - € 5,929

Required background

PhD

Organizational unit

Faculty of Science

Application deadline

21 April 2024

Apply now

Are you an enthusiastic Astrophysicist or computer scientist with a strong interest in big data in astronomy? Would you like to share your expertise and contribute to our academic community? Then this exciting opportunity to join our institute as an assistant professor could be interesting for you.

We are looking for an assistant professor on the topic ’Big Data Astronomy’.

Modern instruments and observatories produce huge amounts of astronomical data. Advanced analysis methods are needed to be able to simulate, process and analyse this data. The Radboud group has privileged access to data and has leading roles in data processing as well as numerical analysis for projects such as the Event Horizon Telescope, the Africa Millimetre Telescope, the BlackGEM telescopes, gravitational wave observatories, the Pierre Auger Observatory for cosmic rays and the LOFAR radio telescope as well as SKA in the future. To fully understand this data, complex numerical simulations and machine learning techniques are increasingly required. The Radboud astrophysics group has extensive expertise, for example in star and stellar-population models; machine-learning techniques for the extraction of outliers and trends in multidimensional data; relativistic plasma simulations for the interpretation of observations of supermassive black holes and simulations of the particle avalanches forming in the Earth’s atmosphere, created by high energy cosmic rays. Processing the observational data, the accompanying numerical simulations and machine learning techniques requires special resources. This is a major challenge for the future, in which new methods must be developed to enable these complex operations, while at the same time significantly reducing the associated CO2 emissions.

As an Assistant Professor of Big Data Astronomy, you will build your own research line and you will be expected to contribute to any of the exciting goals above and  encouraged to intensify the connections between the departments of Astrophysics and Computer Science at Radboud University. Therefore you ill also play your part in the organisation and management activities related to IMAPP science's research and education programmes and should have the ambition to create societal impact. In your role, you should be able to teach a broad range of courses in astronomy and physics and you will be expected to teach in Dutch (Dutch language level B2). During a three-year transition period, teaching in English will be possible.

Profile

• You are an internationally recognised scientist with a long-term vision to build up and lead a research group.
• You should hold a PhD in Astrophysics, Computer Science or a related subject and be an independent researcher, working at the crossroads between these fields.
• You have the drive and capacity to set up, supervise and support a thriving, funded research group.
• You have experience in developing or applying novel data-intensive methodology to observations and/or simulations.
• You have a track record of publications in relevant journals, invitations to conferences, and other scientific recognitions.
• You have a demonstrable passion for teaching, excellent teaching skills, and a track record commensurate with the career stage.
• You communicate well with colleagues at all levels and like working in a team.
• You have a demonstrable interest in communicating your science to wider society (e.g. in the form of science communication, science valorisation, or science policy).

We are

The Department of Astrophysics at Radboud University is part of the Institute of Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP). The vibrant and international department consists of 15 faculty and approximately 15 postdoctoral researchers and engineers, 30 PhD candidates, and 10 MSc students. World-class research focuses on high-energy astrophysics, cosmic rays, black holes, gravitational waves, stellar and binary evolution, star and planet formation, exoplanets, star clusters and the Milky Way. The Department highly values team science, a safe working environment, and broad connections with society.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account (link is external) and read stories from our colleagues.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.
Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• You will be employed on the basis of a temporary contract for 18 months with the prospect of a permanent contract in case of a positive evaluation of your performance.
• The gross monthly salary amounts to a minimum of €4,332 and a maximum of €5,929 based on a 38-hour working week, depending on previous education and number of years of relevant work experience (salary scale 11 ).
• At the start of your employment you will be appointed as Assistant Professor level 2 (salary scale 11 ) on a career track towards promotion to Assistant Professor level 1 (salary scale 12 , maximum € 6,737). The performance criteria and duration of the career track will be tailored to your background and track record. 
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service . The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

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Practical information and applying

You can apply no later than 21 April 2024 only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Jörg Hörandel.

The first interviews will take place on Tuesday 7 May. You will preferably start your employment on 1 September 2024.
We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure . It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the following information (link is external) . 

Apply now Application deadline 21 April 2024

We would like to recruit our new colleague ourselves. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.

Would you like more information?
Prof. J.R. Hörandel (Jörg)
hoogleraar
[email protected]
Last modified: 11 March 2024
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