Doctoral student position (m/f/d) in Computational Astrophysics

We invite applications for doctoral student positions in Computational Astrophysics for projects in Computational Galaxy Formation and Fluid Dynamics. Funding for these positions is provided by a new initiative pursuing multidisciplinary collaborations between astrophysics and climate modelling. At the core of this newly funded Leibniz ScienceCampus SCALES are next-generation simulation techniques, hybrid modelling strategies, and the use of machine learning, particularly neural networks that learn physical laws with the goal to significantly improve the representation of subscale processes in astro- and climate-physics. The projects aim at (1) studying the multi-scale nature of the gaseous reservoir surrounding massive galaxies and links the central galaxy to its broader cosmological environment or (2) at studying the emergence of coherent, large-scale streams in a turbulent flow, with important application to protoplanetary discs and planets.

Candidates with a thorough background in Astrophysics, Physics, Computational Methods and Neural Networks that have very good to excellent programming skills (e.g. C/C++ or Python) are encouraged to apply. Very good analytical, mathematical skills and hands-on experience in developing computational code, running hydrodynamics simulations and experience in neural networks are an advantage. Applicants need to have a master degree in Physics or Astrophysics at the beginning of the appointment. The initial appointment will be for two years with an expected extension up to a total of 4 years and 1 month. Additional funds are available for computational equipment and travel. The position is anticipated to start in November 2026, but this is subject to individual arrangements.

For more information:

Cosmology and High-Energy Astrophysics Group at the AIP
URL: https://www.aip.de/en/research/cosmology/

Magnetohydrodynamics and Turbulence Group at the AIP
URL: https://www.aip.de/en/research/mhd/