Postdoctoral Fellowships and Senior Research Fellowships in Neutron Star Astrophysics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Turku, Finland, invites applications for Postdoctoral Fellowships and Senior Research Fellowships in High-Energy Astrophysics at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Neutron-Star Physics. These are fixed-term positions with a preferred starting date in August 2026 (or as mutually agreed). The initial appointment is for two years, with the expectation of renewal up to a total of three years for Postdoctoral Fellow positions and up to five years for Senio Research Fellows, contingent on satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

The CoE in Neutron-Star Physics unites experimental, theoretical, numerical, and observational expertise across astrophysics, plasma physics, and nuclear and particle physics. Its overarching goal is to establish a world-leading consortium at the forefront of modern neutron-star research. The CoE aims to advance understanding in several key areas:

• Phases of matter in neutron-star cores, including dense-matter equation-of-state physics.
• Plasma dynamics in neutron-star magnetospheres, covering both fundamental processes and observable signatures.
• Accretion physics in X-ray pulsars and weakly magnetized neutron stars.
• X-ray burst physics, from ignition conditions to burst propagation and radiation processes.
• Heavy-element nucleosynthesis in neutron-star mergers, including multimessenger constraints.

By integrating diverse methodologies and expertise, the CoE seeks to deliver breakthroughs that will shape the future of neutron-star physics. The successful applicant will join a vibrant scientific environment with active theoretical, observational, and computational research in high-energy astrophysics. Research will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Juri Poutanen (users.utu.fi/jurpou) and senior researchers Dr. Sergey Tsygankov and Dr. Alexandra Veledina. Collaboration within the CoE is strongly encouraged, including with the groups of Prof. Joonas Nättilä (plasma astrophysics, natj.github.io) and Prof. Aleksi Vuorinen (particle physics) at the University of Helsinki, as well as Prof. Anu Kankainen (experimental nuclear physics) and Prof. Markus Kortelainen (theoretical nuclear physics) at the University of Jyväskylä. 

The selected researchers are expected to perform cutting-edge research on a topic that has strong synergy with the high-energy astrophysics research conducted in the CoE—particularly in the areas of accreting neutron stars and X-ray polarimetry of compact objects. Expertise in accretion physics, general relativity, polarimetry, X-ray data analysis, MHD, radiation hydrodynamics, particle-in-cell or Monte Carlo methods will be considered an asset. 

A successful Senior Research Fellow is expected to develop and lead an independent research program related to neutron-star physics, with strong synergy with the high-energy astrophysics research conducted at the host institute. Senior Fellows are also expected to contribute to the teaching of advanced courses in the department.

The positions offer travel funds, opportunities to work with top physics students, and access to exceptional computing resources, including the LUMI supercomputer and the local computer cluster.