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Postdoctoral Research Fellows in Computational Astrophysics
Job Summary
Category
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
Department
Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics
Number of Positions Available
2
Duration
3 Years
Could the duration be extended?
Yes
Work Arrangement
In-Person
In-Person Location(s)
Modena MO
Italy
Job Description
We invite two outstanding Postdoctoral Researchers to join the BlackHoleWeather (BHW) ERC Consolidator project (2M Eur) — a pioneering effort dedicated to unraveling black hole feeding and feedback mechanisms across macro and micro scales (see Gaspari+20, Nature Astronomy). The selected candidates will be at the forefront of modeling and analyzing astrophysical processes within cosmic halos (including intracluster, circumgalactic, and interstellar medium) through state-of-the-art magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. Their work will also involve comparing simulations with multiwavelength observations from key telescopes (JWST, Chandra, XMM, HST, ALMA, MUSE).
Strong programming skills (e.g., C++, Python, Cuda) are highly desirable, as the role will require developing 3D MHD simulations using advanced adaptive-mesh-refinement codes like Athena++, GAMER, and/or FLASH. Expertise in high-performance computing, especially GPU-based systems, and familiarity with astrophysical gas processes — such as turbulence, magnetic fields, dust/cooling mechanisms, and chemical networks — will be significant assets.
The successful candidates will play a pivotal role within the ERC BHW team, benefiting from world-class resources and extensive opportunities for international collaboration, including partnerships with leading institutions like Princeton, MIT, and NTU. These Postdoctoral Fellowship positions offer a rare opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking theoretical and observational advancements in modern astrophysics, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge of black holes and galaxy evolution.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation Type
Salary
Currency
365
Included Benefits
Research benefits: the position comes with large dedicated funds for travel to collaboration meetings and other related workshops/conferences, as well as substantial funds for computer equipment, given that the ERC project is based on a 2 million Euro funding.
Retirement benefits: majority of pension (2/3) paid by the employer (+22% of salary).
Healthcare benefits: fully covered by the Italian National System (no insurance required).
Compensation Notes
The salary is in the top bracket for research scientists in Italy. Moreover, the compensation is income tax free (0% IRPEF; see the link below for more details). As such, the net salary is comparable to that of an Italian Associate Professor. Note that the costs of living in Italy are substantially lower than those in other Western countries (e.g. 2-3x compared with USA). Quality of life in Emilia Romagna is consistently ranked among the highest in Italy and Europe.
Application Details
Application Instructions
The positions are for 3 years, with formal renewal each year based on performance. An additional 2 years may be available for those demonstrating excellence. One position may be upgraded to tenure-track Assistant Professor on the long term. The starting date is preferred to be as soon as possible after selection.
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 highly appreciated.
Reference letters are not required in the formal application, although they might be asked in a second stage.
Preferred education degree: Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics.
Review of applications will begin soon after the strict formal deadline of October 14, 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. Final selection will be completed within this November.
If you have any questions about the position or application procedure, do not hesitate to write to Prof. Gaspari (PI of BHW): [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 PICA: https://pica.cineca.it/unimore/2024-adrs255
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 highly appreciated.
Reference letters are not required in the formal application, although they might be asked in a second stage.
Preferred education degree: Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics.
Review of applications will begin soon after the strict formal deadline of October 14, 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. Final selection will be completed within this November.
If you have any questions about the position or application procedure, do not hesitate to write to Prof. Gaspari (PI of BHW): [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 PICA: https://pica.cineca.it/unimore/2024-adrs255
Link to Online Application
Publication Start Date
2024 Sep 13
Application Deadline
2024 Oct 14
Reference Code
2024-adrs255