Scientific staff

Postdoctoral Research Position on modelling the disc-halo interface in star-forming galaxies.

Job description

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Position at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, to work on modelling the disc-halo interface in star-forming galaxies.

The postdoc position is funded by the ERC Advanced Grant, FLOWS project, led by Prof. F. Fraternali. This project will build a group of six members including the PI with the aim of precisely determining the properties of gas flows in and out of galaxies across cosmic time and explaining their role in galaxy formation and evolution.

This postdoc project will focus on the condensation of coronal gas induced by the galactic fountain at the disc-halo interface. The main goals are to unveil and measure, for the first time, the gas accretion via this channel in local and high-z galaxies. This will be achieved by building a new dynamical model of galactic fountains, informed by ultra-high-resolution magneto-hydrodynamical simulations, that will be fit directly to emission-line datacubes. 

The project will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. F. Marinacci (University of Bologna, Italy) and Prof. K. Rubin (San Diego State University, USA).

More information about the project can be found here: https://www.filippofraternali.com/postdoc-position2023

The Kapteyn Astronomical Institute is world-wide recognised for the breadth and quality of its research and is one of the four Dutch astronomical departments constituting NOVA (Netherlands Research School for Astronomy). Research areas at the Kapteyn Institute range from the formation of planets to high-z galaxies and cosmology. The large number of PhD students and postdocs contribute to create a vibrant and stimulating environment.

The appointment is initially for two years, renewable for a third year based on performance. The starting date is flexible between March 2024 and December 2024. The position comes with a competitive salary, a generous travel budget and full social benefits. 

Applicants should have completed their PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics or a closely related area before the beginning of the appointment. We welcome candidates with experience in running hydrodynamical simulations, though it is not a prerequisite.

A complete application includes: cover letter, CV, publication list and a two-page statement of research experience and interests to be sent by email to fraternali astro.rug.nl

Applications received by November 10, 2023 will receive full consideration. The interviews are planned for the week 11-15 December 2023.

Applicants should also arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be sent to the same email address by the same date.

The University of Groningen is an equal-opportunity employer.