PhD Position in Galaxy Clusters and Radio Astronomy at Leiden University

Leiden Observatory invites applications for a PhD position focused on radio studies of galaxy clusters using the LOFAR telescope.

This four-year position is aimed at candidates with a strong interest and background in extragalactic astrophysics, observational astronomy, and/or computational methods. Depending on the candidate’s expertise and interests, the project may involve large-scale data analysis using high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure, observations with additional radio facilities, and multi-wavelength studies. The overarching goal is to understand the formation of galaxy clusters, including their galaxy populations and non-thermal components such as magnetic fields and cosmic rays. The project will benefit from Leiden Observatory’s close involvement in the LOFAR2.0 upgrade and is embedded within the group working on extragalactic LOFAR surveys. The project will be supervised by Dr. Reinout van Weeren and is funded by an NWO Vici grant.

The successful candidate must hold an MSc degree (or equivalent) by the starting date. The expected start date is between September and December 2026. During their PhD, candidates at Leiden University are employed as civil servants, offering competitive salaries (the current annual gross salary, including allowances, increases from approximately EUR 37,000 in year 1 to EUR 47,000 in year 4), as well as full social security coverage and pension benefits.

Leiden Observatory, founded in 1633, is the oldest university astronomy department in the world. With about 35 faculty, over 40 postdoctoral associates and about 65 PhD students, it is the largest astronomy department in the Netherlands. Leiden is a charming university town with an international flair. Most Leiden researchers have an international background. English is the common language.

Application forms and instructions are available at https://jobs.strw.leidenuniv.nl/2026/vanWeerenPhD/. Complete applications received by May 11, 2026, will receive full consideration.