Postdoctoral Position on Extreme Mass Ratio Inspirals and QPEs

Job Summary

Category
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution
Leiden Observatory / Leiden University
Department
Leiden Observatory
Number of Positions Available
1
Duration
4 Years
Could the duration be extended?
No
Work Arrangement
In-Person
In-Person Location(s)

Leiden
Netherlands

Job Description

Leiden Observatory invites applications for a postdoctoral position on theoretical and computational astrophysical studies of gravitational wave-related phenomena, with a strong preference for Extreme Mass Ratio Inspirals (EMRIs), and Quasi-Periodic Eruptions (QPEs). The postdoctoral position is within Prof. Elena M. Rossi’s group, which currently consists of five PhD students and one post-doc, who work on various galactic nuclei phenomena. It is funded by Rossi’s grant awarded within the National Roadmap for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). This consortium coordinates activities in the Netherlands in preparation for LISA data.

The position is for 2+2 years, and preferentially targets candidates straight out of their PhD.

Leiden Observatory, founded in 1633, is the oldest university astronomy department in the world. It is ranked the 7th best Space Science Department in the world, and the first outside the USA. With about 35 faculty, over 60 postdoctoral associates and about 80 PhD students, it is one of the largest and most international astronomy departments in the world. Leiden is a charming university town with an international flair. Most English is the common language at the Institute and in town.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation Type
Salary
Currency
365
Included Benefits

The positions include all employees' benefits, including but not limited to parental leave, holiday bonus, retirement benefits, etc

Application Details

Application Instructions
Applicants are requested to send an email to [email protected], attaching their CV, list of publications (link to a website is also ok), cover letter (important!) and a maximum of one page of research experience and plans. The email subject should be: “your surname_LISA_application. All files must contain in the title your surname (e.g., Rossi_CV, Rossi_cover_letter, etc..). Please, arrange to have three letters of reference to be emailed to [email protected] with the application deadline, with subject “your surname reference LISA position” (e.g., Rossi reference LISA position) and the pdf file of the letter should be named “your surname_surname-of-letter-writer” (e.g., “Rossi_UgoFoscolo”).

The successful candidate must have a PhD degree by the starting date. The starting date is 1st of September 2026, but an earlier start is possible.

Complete applications received by November 15, 2025, will receive full consideration.
Publication Start Date
2025 Oct 02
Application Deadline
2025 Nov 15

Inquiries

Name
Elena Maria Rossi

Support

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