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Two Postdoctoral Positions in Unveiling the Interaction Physics of Giant Binary Stars
Job Summary
Category
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution
KU Leuven
Department
Institute of Astronomy
Number of Positions Available
2
Work Arrangement
In-Person
In-Person Location(s)
Leuven
Belgium
Job Description
We are seeking 2 postdoctoral researchers to join the ERC Advanced Grant project SOPHIA, led by Prof. Leen Decin at the Institute of Astronomy of KU Leuven. SOPHIA aims to transform our understanding of how stars evolve by moving beyond simplified models and accounting for key physical processes such as mass loss, stellar winds, and binary interactions. The project combines cutting-edge observations, advanced modelling, and large datasets, including the upcoming Gaia Data Release 4.
Starting date: ideally between September 1st 2026 and January 1st 2027.
Position A: Stellar Winds, Mass Loss, and Radiative Transfer Modelling
The postdoc will:
- Derive mass-loss rates and wind properties from high-quality molecular line observations
- Apply and further develop the group’s radiative transfer code POMME to extract detailed physical information from spectral line shapes
- Extend POMME towards a full non-LTE implementation, building on existing developments and integrating fast solvers for the kinetic rate equations
- Investigate dust formation and wind-driving mechanisms by modelling spectral energy distributions, including infrared data
- Analyse a unique sample of well-characterised evolved stars to uncover how mass loss depends on stellar properties such as pulsation, luminosity, temperature, and mass
This position is particularly suited for candidates with a strong interest in radiative transfer, computational modelling, spectroscopy, and high-performance scientific coding.
Position B: Binary Star Evolution with Gaia
The postdoc will:
- Develop advanced data-analysis methods to improve orbital and stellar parameters for evolved stars using Gaia DR4
- Address challenges related to stellar variability and observational biases by combining astrometric and photometric data
- Analyse large samples of evolved binary stars to map their orbital properties
- Study how processes such as mass transfer, tidal interactions, and angular momentum exchange influence stellar evolution at the population level
This position is suited for candidates with an interest in data-intensive astrophysics, statistics, large surveys (e.g. Gaia), and stellar dynamics.
More information and application instructions on https://fys.kuleuven.be/ster/vacancies/vacancies#PD_SOPHIA
Compensation and Benefits
Currency
365
Application Details
Application Instructions
Postdoctoral applicants must hold a PhD in astrophysics or an equivalent diploma. Proficiency in English is required.
The application package should contain:
- A curriculum vitae, with publication list. On the last page, it should include the names and email addresses of two reference persons (references letters are NOT required at this stage; these will only be asked for the short-listed candidates)
- A statement of interest (max. 1 page). Important: In the first sentence, please clearly indicate which position you are applying for (Position A or Position B).
- A summary of the research experience (max. 2 pages)
Deadline to apply: 05/08/2026
Further information on the positions and on the project may be obtained by contacting the promotor of the project, Prof. Leen Decin (leen.decin-at-kuleuven.be) or Dr. Clio Gielen (clio.gielen-at-kuleuven.be). Please note that both contact persons will be unavailable between 17/7 and 1/8, so expect a delay in response in this period.
The application package should contain:
- A curriculum vitae, with publication list. On the last page, it should include the names and email addresses of two reference persons (references letters are NOT required at this stage; these will only be asked for the short-listed candidates)
- A statement of interest (max. 1 page). Important: In the first sentence, please clearly indicate which position you are applying for (Position A or Position B).
- A summary of the research experience (max. 2 pages)
Deadline to apply: 05/08/2026
Further information on the positions and on the project may be obtained by contacting the promotor of the project, Prof. Leen Decin (leen.decin-at-kuleuven.be) or Dr. Clio Gielen (clio.gielen-at-kuleuven.be). Please note that both contact persons will be unavailable between 17/7 and 1/8, so expect a delay in response in this period.
Link to Online Application
Publication Start Date
2026 Jun 30
Application Deadline
2026 Aug 05