Postdoctoral Research Fellows in Computational Astrophysics
Job Summary
Modena
Italy
Job Description
We invite two exceptional researchers to join the BlackHoleWeather ERC-COG team (PI: Prof. Gaspari), a groundbreaking initiative exploring black hole feeding and feedback from macro to micro scales. Candidates will model and analyze astrophysical processes in cosmic halos (intracluster/circumgalactic/interstellar medium) via cutting-edge magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) simulations and comparisons with multiwavelength observations from leading telescopes (e.g., JWST, Chandra, XMM, Hubble, ALMA, MUSE).
Strong coding skills (e.g., C++, Python, Cuda) and a keen interest in programming are highly desirable, as the roles involve developing advanced 3D MHD simulations, primarily using established adaptive-mesh-refinement astrophysical codes (such as GAMER, Athena++, or FLASH). Additional valuable qualifications include experience with high-performance/GPU computing and familiarity with astrophysical gas processes (turbulence, magnetic fields, dust, cooling, chemical networks).
The successful candidates will play a pivotal role in the BlackHoleWeather team, supported by top-tier resources and numerous opportunities for international collaboration and dissemination, including with partners at institutions like Princeton, MIT, and NTU. These Postdoctoral positions offer a unique chance to make novel contributions to key theoretical and observational aspects of modern astrophysics, ultimately advancing our understanding of black holes and galaxies.
Compensation and Benefits
Research benefits: the position comes with dedicated funds for travel to collaboration meetings and other related workshops and conferences, as well as funds for computer equipment.
Retirement benefits: majority of pension (2/3) paid by the employer (+22% of salary).
Healthcare benefits: fully covered via Italian National System (no insurance required).
The salary is in the top bracket for research scientists in Italy. Moreover, the compensation is income tax free (0% IRPEF). The net salary is thus comparable to that of an Italian Associate Professor.
Also worth noting that the costs of living in Italy are substantially lower than in other Western countries (e.g., 2-3x compared to USA).
See the link/PDF below for more details.
Application Details
The starting date is preferred to be as soon as possible, but negotiable.
Applicants should follow the instruction in the below link/PDF. In particular, together with a full CV (with at least 3 reference contacts), please upload a statement explaining research interests/experience and a list of publications (article web links are sufficient). A cover letter tailored for the position is appreciated.
Reference letters are not required in the formal application, although they might be asked in a second stage.
Highly preferred education degree: Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics.
Review of applications will begin soon after the strict formal deadline of June 17, 2024 (1pm CEST). Subsequently, short-listed candidates will be invited for an online interview, which includes:
- discussion about past research experience and problem solving of the candidate;
- discussion about scientific production of the candidate;
- assessment of the level of knowledge of astrophysical MHD simulations and numerical methods (AMR); astrophysical processes in diffuse gas/plasma; scientific programming (coding languages, HPC, GPU); English.
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 online application portal: https://pica.cineca.it/unimore/2024-adrs129
(note the additional PDF at this link, with a few corrected details on the application call).