Postdoctoral position in high-resolution spectroscopy of intermediate- and high-mass stars in the context of space missions (GaiaDR4, Plato, CubeSpec)

The project: We invite candidates to apply for a postdoc position as part of the scientific exploitation of the Mercator Observatory, La Palma, Spain. The project will leverage large observing programmes with the high-resolution HERMES spectrograph, combined with space-based data from ongoing and near-future space missions. The end goal is to address shortcomings in our understanding of stellar structure and evolution of binary systems hosting intermediate- and high-mass stars. Specifically, the first part of the project will focus on the synergy with upcoming Gaia DR4 and the complementary ground-based follow of target of interests, such as (candidate) dormant binaries with compact objects, stripped stars and other key intermediate- and high-mass star evolutionary stages. A second part of the project will be related to the preparation, commissioning and early science exploitation of the CubeSPEC technology demonstrator mission, aiming at long spectroscopic time series of beta-Cepheid pulsators.

Host institute: The selected candidate will be integrated within the research groups of Prof. Hugues Sana and Dr. Andrew Tkachenko of the Institute of Astronomy (IoA) of KU Leuven in Belgium. The IoA is a young and vibrant research group of some 80 scientists, engineers, and administrative staff, including 7 full-time and 3 part-time professors. The institute is an expertise center in stellar physics and is active in several international consortia and collaborations, and operates the 1.2m Mercator telescope at Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma Observatory, Canary Islands.

The offer: The successful postdoctoral applicant will be offered a 1(+1)-year contract, with the additional 1-year being awarded after positive evaluation. The salary will be commensurate to the standard scale for postdoc researchers in Belgium and will depend on the number of years of experience after PhD. In addition, you will receive a generous package of pay and non-pay benefits, including a teleworking opportunities, holiday bonus, end-of-year bonus, holiday allowance, free hospital insurance, free public transport when commuting, a bicycle allowance, staff discount scheme, access to our sports and cultural facilities at special rates, etc. The foreseen starting date shall be between June 1st and November 1st 2026 but can be negotiated.