PhD position in Astrophysics at Ghent University

Supernovae are known to be key players in governing the dust content of galaxies. However, whether they are net dust producers or destroyers remains a matter of contention. Applications are invited for a PhD position in the field of (extra-)galactic astronomy at the Department of Physics and Astronomy of Ghent University. The successful candidate will work with several members of the `DustOrigin’ group at Ghent University (Prof. Ilse De Looze, Dr. Nina Sartorio, Dr. Florian Kirchschlager). They will analyse the dust destruction efficiency of supernova shocks experienced by interstellar dust in a 3D turbulent interstellar medium simulated with the magnetohydrodynamical moving-mesh code AREPO. Most of the PhD work will consist in analysing existing AREPO simulations, post-processing them with the dust-processing code Paperboats and to explore new AREPO simulations in follow-up studies. In the long term, these simulations can be used to interpret observations of interstellar dust in galaxies.

We welcome applications from qualified candidates irrespective of gender, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs and age. Applicants must hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points), or a similar academic degree, by the start of the appointment. Having prior coding experience is considered a plus, but is not mandatory. Support for four years of funding and travel, funded by the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO), will be available. The net salary will be ca. 30 000 euros/year, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Ghent is located in the Flemish speaking part of Belgium, some 50 km north-west of Brussels. Ghent is renowned for its beautiful medieval town centre, its lively cultural and music scene, and its vibrant student life. The astronomy group's expanding research interests include supernovae, nearby galaxies, infrared astronomy, hydrodynamical simulations/radiative transfer, galaxy formation and evolution, high-redshift observations and observational cosmology.

Informal inquiries are welcome ([email protected] ). Applicants should submit their CV and a cover letter, and arrange for two reference letters to be sent by April 1, 2023 to [email protected] . The starting date can be as early as September 1, 2023.