4 ERC-funded postdoctoral positions at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, University of Groningen, The Netherlands

The Kapteyn Astronomical Institute of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands invites applications for 4 ERC-funded postdoctoral positions in the areas of planet forming disks, galaxy formation and evolution, galactic archaeology, and exoplanet science:

• One position in the group of Prof. Inga Kamp on the modeling of transport processes in planet forming disks (ERC AdG DISKS-ROCK).
• One position in the group of Prof. Filippo Fraternali on galaxy formation and evolution, focusing on observational signatures of gas flows into and out of galaxies (ERC AdG FLOWS).
• One position in the group of Prof. Else Starkenburg on Galactic Archaeology in the early Milky Way, focusing on observational studies of the most metal-poor stellar populations across the Galaxy (ERC CoG EARLYMW).
• One position in the group of Dr. Tim Lichtenberg on simulations of the geophysical and atmospheric evolution of low-mass exoplanets (ERC StG MagmaWorlds).

Research areas at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute span from exoplanets to high-z galaxies and cosmology, fostering a vibrant and international environment with many PhD students and postdocs.

The initial appointment for each position will be for two years, renewable for a third year based on performance. The starting date is after March 1, 2026. All positions offer a competitive salary, a generous travel budget, and full social benefits. 

Applicants should have completed their PhD in astronomy/astrophysics, geoscience, climate science or a related field before commencing.

A complete application includes:

• Cover letter (≤2 pages) addressed to the supervisor of the respective position, including name and contact information of 3 referees
• Statement of research experience and interests (≤3 pages)
• CV (≤4 pages)
• Publication list (≤2 pages), highlighting 2 papers that you are most proud of or that are particularly relevant to the position, incl. a short motivation

Application deadline: November 28, 2025.

The University of Groningen is a university in which inclusion and equality are core values and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/