Assistant Professor: from Stellar Environments to Conditions on Exoplanets

Employment

0.8 - 1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary

€ 4,332 - € 5,929

Required background

PhD

Organizational unit

Faculty of Science

Application deadline

13 April 2024

Apply now

Are you an enthusiastic Astrophysicist with a strong interest in exoplanets and the relation with their parent star? 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 ’from Stellar Environments to Conditions on Exoplanets’. You will be expected to further develop yourself in a leading role in strengthening our activities to understand the origin of life. The conditions under which life can emerge on rocky exoplanets is one of the key questions in astrophysics and astrobiology, with strong interdisciplinary links to physics, chemistry, earth science, and biology. The properties of the parent star, of the planet, and of the planetary system need to be considered in order to understand the potential for life as we know it to emerge. 

Key in this position is the relationship between rocky exoplanets and their parent stars. The chemical composition of the parent star is imprinted on that of rocky planets, which in turn is key input to understand the planets' interior structure and evolution. Stellar activity impacts the stability and composition of planetary atmospheres. 

Planetary exploration missions and powerful telescopes such as ALMA and JWST provide increasingly more quantitative information about the physical and chemical properties of planet forming disks, of rocky exoplanets and their atmospheres, and of the chances that life elsewhere in the solar system could have emerged. Laboratory experiments give an important experimental context where conditions in exoplanetary atmospheres can be simulated. You will have the opportunity to exploit this treasure trove of data in terms of the interplay between exoplanet evolution and their parent stars, in close collaboration with the experts on stellar structure and evolution in the department. You will also contribute to management tasks within the department and you have the ambition to create societal impact.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in Astrophysics or a related field and are an independent researcher in the area mentioned above.
• You are able to teach a broad range of courses in astronomy and physics.
• You should be able to teach in Dutch (Dutch language level B2). During a transition period, teaching in English will be possible.
• You have the drive and capacity to set up, supervise and support a thriving, funded research group.
• You have a track record of publications in relevant international journals, invitations to conferences, and other scientific distinctions.
• You have a demonstrable passion for teaching and excellent teaching skills, commensurate with the career stage.
• 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).
• You communicate well with colleagues at all levels and like working in a team. 

The Faculty of Science is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such encourages applications from women and minorities.

We are

The Department of Astrophysics at Radboud University is part of the Institute of Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP) and has a strong track record in stellar physics, magnetic fields, and particle acceleration. 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, and approximately 15 postdoctoral researchers and engineers, 30 PhD candidates, and 10 MSc students. Worldclass 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 extensive links to 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.
• Your salary within salary scale 11 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• 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 13 April only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Marijke Haverkorn van Rijsewijk.

The first interviews will take place from Tuesday 21 May till Friday 24 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 13 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. M. Haverkorn van Rijsewijk (Marijke)

[email protected]
Last modified: 10 April 2024
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