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Postdoctoral ERC Fellowship in Black Hole and Multiphase Astrophysics
Job Summary
Category
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
Department
Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics
Number of Positions Available
1
Duration
4 Years
Could the duration be extended?
Yes
Work Arrangement
In-Person
In-Person Location(s)
Modena MO
Italy
Job Description
The ERC-CoG BlackHoleWeather is a cutting-edge initiative aimed at understanding how the feeding and feedback of supermassive black holes shape the evolution of galaxies, groups, and clusters, self-consistently linking macro- and micro-scales (Gaspari et al. 2020, Nat. Astron.). The successful candidate may contribute on the numerical side (by developing and exploring multiscale MHD simulations) or on the observational side, through the analysis of multi-wavelength data. Applications are equally welcome from both observational and numerical backgrounds, with the possibility to integrate both approaches.
Numerical track: running and analyzing high-resolution 3D multiscale MHD simulations on GPUs (e.g., AMR codes such as AthenaPK and GAMER); implementing advanced microphysics (e.g., anisotropic conduction/viscosity, chemical networks, star formation, plasma physics); producing synthetic observables (X-ray, optical/IR, radio) and comparing them with observations.
Observational track: reducing and analyzing multi-wavelength datasets (e.g., JWST/HST, Chandra/XMM, ALMA/MeerKAT/LOFAR, MUSE); extracting physical and kinematic properties; performing quantitative comparisons with the MHD simulations.
Cross-cutting activities: publishing first-author scientific papers, presenting results at international conferences, collaborating with global partners (Princeton, MIT, NTU), playing a leading role within the BlackHoleWeather excellence team, mentoring students, engaging in problem-solving, and contributing to ERC deliverables (datasets and codes).
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation Type
Salary
Currency
365
Included Benefits
Research benefits: extensive dedicated funds for travel, workshops, and international conferences, plus substantial research and computing resources within the €2 million ERC BlackHoleWeather project, providing an exceptional environment to develop independent ideas and collaborations.
Retirement benefits: full enrollment in Italy’s national pension system (INPS), with the employer covering the majority of contributions and annual TFR severance fully funded by the university, ensuring long-term social-security coverage and end-of-contract benefits.
Healthcare benefits: comprehensive coverage through the Italian National Health Service with no premiums required; optional private health insurance may also be supported by the employer for international researchers.
Compensation Notes
The salary ranks among the highest for research scientists in Italy, close to an assistant professor, and includes full employee benefits. The cost of living in Italy is 2-3x lower than in most Western countries, while Emilia-Romagna offers one of the highest quality-of-life standards in Europe, combining rich culture, excellent food, and affordable living.
Application Details
Application Instructions
The position is for 2+2 years, with renewal based on performance. The position may be later upgraded to tenure-track Assistant Professor. The starting date is preferred to be as soon as possible (negotiable).
Please submit via the PICA platform (ENG or ITA; see link/PDF below for details) the following:
1. full CV (dated and signed), including your Publication List and ~3 reference contacts;
2. Cover Letter tailored to this position;
3. brief Research Proposal (max 3 pages) specifying your preferred track (numerical/observational/combined), the methodology you plan to adopt, and deliverables aligned with BlackHoleWeather science;
4. key Publications (up to 10 uploaded PDFs);
5. Valid ID or passport (for non-EU residents).
Eligibility. Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics (or equivalent). Final-year Ph.D. candidates may apply, but the degree must be obtained before contract signing. Working language: English (Italian not required).
Deadline: 19 November 2025, 13:00 CET. Review begins immediately after the deadline; short-listed candidates will be invited to a remote interview discussing prior research and problem-solving experience, scientific output, and core knowledge.
If you have any questions about the position or application procedure, do not hesitate to write to Prof. Gaspari: [email protected]
You are welcome to send your CV to Prof. Gaspari for pre-screening, but note that complete formal applications must be submitted through the official portal: https://pica.cineca.it/unimore/cdr-2025-19
Please submit via the PICA platform (ENG or ITA; see link/PDF below for details) the following:
1. full CV (dated and signed), including your Publication List and ~3 reference contacts;
2. Cover Letter tailored to this position;
3. brief Research Proposal (max 3 pages) specifying your preferred track (numerical/observational/combined), the methodology you plan to adopt, and deliverables aligned with BlackHoleWeather science;
4. key Publications (up to 10 uploaded PDFs);
5. Valid ID or passport (for non-EU residents).
Eligibility. Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics (or equivalent). Final-year Ph.D. candidates may apply, but the degree must be obtained before contract signing. Working language: English (Italian not required).
Deadline: 19 November 2025, 13:00 CET. Review begins immediately after the deadline; short-listed candidates will be invited to a remote interview discussing prior research and problem-solving experience, scientific output, and core knowledge.
If you have any questions about the position or application procedure, do not hesitate to write to Prof. Gaspari: [email protected]
You are welcome to send your CV to Prof. Gaspari for pre-screening, but note that complete formal applications must be submitted through the official portal: https://pica.cineca.it/unimore/cdr-2025-19
Link to Online Application
Publication Start Date
2025 Oct 20
Application Deadline
2025 Nov 19
Reference Code
CDR_2025_19