Assistant Professor 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).

There is a strong preference for women and candidates from other underrepresented groups in the physical sciences. The candidate should be able to teach a broad range of courses in astronomy and physics. The candidate is expected to teach in Dutch (Dutch language level B2) - during a transition period, teaching in English is possible. The candidate will contribute to management tasks within the department and should have the ambition to create societal impact.

The Department of Astrophysics at Radboud University is part of the Institute of Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP). The department is building up an interdisciplinary link with the Institute for Molecules and Materials and FELIX Laboratory to understand the chemistry of planet formation and exoplanets and their atmospheres. The new position will strengthen this link, by focusing on the host star - planet relationship.

The vibrant and international department consists of 15 faculty, ∼15 postdocs and engineers, ∼30 PhD students, and ∼10 MSc students. Worldclass research focuses on high-energy astro(particle)physics, 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.

Your application documents should include a cover letter, research statement, teaching statement, a CV, and a list of publications. In addition, please list at least three names and email addresses of colleagues who are willing to write letters of reference, if asked by the search committee.

Pleas apply via the link given below.