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Postdoctoral Fellowships in 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
2
Duration
3 Years
Could the duration be extended?
Yes
Work Arrangement
In-Person
In-Person Location(s)
Modena MO
Italy
Job Description
We are seeking two exceptional Postdoctoral Fellows to join cutting-edge research on understanding black hole mechanisms across all scales. The successful candidates will be deeply involved in modeling and analyzing astrophysical processes within cosmic halos, including the intracluster, circumgalactic, and interstellar medium, by using magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. Their research will also involve comparing simulations with multiwavelength observations from major telescopes such as JWST, Chandra, XMM, HST, ALMA, and MUSE.
Strong programming skills (e.g., C++, Python, Cuda) are highly desirable, as the role involves the development of state-of-the-art 3D MHD simulations with major astrophysical codes (e.g., Athena++, GAMER, FLASH). Expertise in high-performance computing, especially GPU-based systems, and familiarity with AGN feeding/feedback and gas processes — turbulence, magnetic fields, dust/cooling, chemistry — are significant assets.
The successful candidates will have a leading role in the ERC BlackHoleWeather team, benefiting from world-class resources and extensive opportunities for international collaboration, including partnerships with major institutions like Princeton, MIT, NASA, and NTU. These Fellowship positions offer a rare opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking theoretical and observational advancements in modern astrophysics, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge of black holes and galaxies coevolution throughout cosmic time.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation Type
Salary
Currency
365
Included Benefits
Research benefits: the position comes with extensive dedicated funds for travel to meetings and workshops/conferences, as well as substantial funds for equipment (the ERC BlackHoleWeather team is based on a 2 million Euro funding).
Retirement benefits: majority of pension (2/3) paid by the employer (+22% of salary).
Healthcare benefits: fully covered by the Italian National System (no insurances required).
Compensation Notes
The salary is in the top bracket for research scientists in Italy. Moreover, the compensation is income tax free (0% IRPEF). As such, the net salary is comparable to that of an Italian Associate Professor.
Note: the costs of living in Italy are substantially lower than those in other Western countries (e.g. 2-3x compared with USA). Quality of life in Emilia Romagna is consistently ranked among the highest in Italy and Europe.
Application Details
Application Instructions
The positions are for 3 years, with yearly formal renewal. An additional 2 years may be available for those demonstrating excellence. One position may be later upgraded to tenure-track Assistant Professor. The starting date is preferred to be as soon as possible (negotiable).
Applicants should follow the below link (ENG or ITA). The core of the application is simple, i.e. upload:
1) a complete CV (with at least 3 reference contacts);
2) a Research Statement (especially in relation to BlackHoleWeather topics; see Gaspari+20, Nature Ast.);
3) a Publication List (web links are sufficient; e.g., ADS, Google Scholar);
4) a Cover Letter tailored for the position.
Reference letters are not required in the formal application, although they might be asked in a second stage.
Preferred education degree: Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics.
Note: don't worry about the "decree" PDF and related lengthy Italian admin text (e.g., Italian language is not a requirement; 12 months of research includes ongoing Ph.D. studies). The selection committee will focus on the above core documents and excellence of the candidates.
Review of the applications will begin soon after the (extended) deadline of November 14, 2024 (1pm CEST). Subsequently, short-listed candidates will be invited for an online interview.
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 below online portal PICA.
Applicants should follow the below link (ENG or ITA). The core of the application is simple, i.e. upload:
1) a complete CV (with at least 3 reference contacts);
2) a Research Statement (especially in relation to BlackHoleWeather topics; see Gaspari+20, Nature Ast.);
3) a Publication List (web links are sufficient; e.g., ADS, Google Scholar);
4) a Cover Letter tailored for the position.
Reference letters are not required in the formal application, although they might be asked in a second stage.
Preferred education degree: Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics.
Note: don't worry about the "decree" PDF and related lengthy Italian admin text (e.g., Italian language is not a requirement; 12 months of research includes ongoing Ph.D. studies). The selection committee will focus on the above core documents and excellence of the candidates.
Review of the applications will begin soon after the (extended) deadline of November 14, 2024 (1pm CEST). Subsequently, short-listed candidates will be invited for an online interview.
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 below online portal PICA.
Link to Online Application
Publication Start Date
2024 Oct 10
Application Deadline
2024 Nov 14
Reference Code
2024-adrs255