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PhD position in stellar and gravitational-wave astrophysics
Job Summary
Category
Pre-doctoral / Graduate Positions
Institution
KU Leuven
Department
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Number of Positions Available
1
Duration
4 Years
Work Arrangement
In-Person
In-Person Location(s)
Leuven
Belgium
Job Description
We advertise 1 PhD position to join the newly-founded team of Prof. Eva Laplace at the Institute of Astronomy, KU Leuven, Belgium on the topic of stellar and gravitational wave astrophysics.
The Project: When stars end their lives, their hearts continue to exist as a compact remnant: black holes, neutron stars, or white dwarfs. Understanding the exact origin of these objects is one of the most pressing scientific questions in astrophysics. With the discovery of gravitational waves (GWs), we now have a new way to study these extreme objects, but also several new puzzles to solve, such as the origin of the large number of high-mass binary black hole mergers. To make breakthroughs in understanding the properties of stellar remnants and the GWs they generate, it is crucial to study the binary stellar hearts that form them. In this PhD project you will use numerical simulations to constrain the physics of stellar hearts in binary systems. In particular, you will research how the structures of binary stellar hearts change as a function of metallicity, and investigate whether their final properties can explain the origin of recently-discovered high-mass black holes. Based on these results, you will predict the properties of GW sources that will be observable with next-generation detectors such as the Einstein Telescope. With this project, you will become an expert in stellar and gravitational-wave astrophysics and be part of a large community working on the properties of massive stars.
PhD applicants should hold a MSc degree in (astro)physics, or mathematics, or else have obtained an equivalent diploma. Proficiency in English is required. Interests and knowledge in stellar astrophysics, explosive transients, gravitational-wave astrophysics, and/or computational (astro)physics are strong assets. Experience with the MESA stellar evolution code, stellar explosion codes, and/or population synthesis codes are assets but not requirements.
The selected PhD candidates will be offered a 2+2-year contract. The salary will be commensurate to the standard scale for PhD candidates in Belgium. The preferred starting date will be April 1st, 2025, but can be negotiated towards later dates in 2025.
More information and application instructions on https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60406593?lang=en
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation Type
Salary
Currency
365
Included Benefits
The contract includes social and medical insurance as well as pension rights. Working hours are flexible and the opportunity for partial teleworking is offered. Refunds of commuting expenses when using public transport or bicycle are included. The KU Leuven offers access to childcare.
Compensation Notes
Application Details
Application Instructions
The application should be received by December 15th, 2024.
The application package should include:
(i) a curriculum vitae, with a publication list if relevant. On the last page, it should include the email contacts of two reference persons;
(ii) a statement of interest (max. 1 page);
(iii) a summary of the research experience (max. 2 pages, excluding references);
(iv) a transcript of all university courses taken and grades obtained to date.
The shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview between the end of January and mid-February.
Further information on the positions and the project may be obtained by contacting Eva Laplace by email ([email protected]).
The application package should include:
(i) a curriculum vitae, with a publication list if relevant. On the last page, it should include the email contacts of two reference persons;
(ii) a statement of interest (max. 1 page);
(iii) a summary of the research experience (max. 2 pages, excluding references);
(iv) a transcript of all university courses taken and grades obtained to date.
The shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview between the end of January and mid-February.
Further information on the positions and the project may be obtained by contacting Eva Laplace by email ([email protected]).
Link to Online Application
Publication Start Date
2024 Nov 18
Application Deadline
2024 Dec 15