Postdoctoral researcher

Job ID:  28066

 
→  Apply before 01/12/2024 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→  Faculty of Sciences
→  Department: WE05 - Fysica en Sterrenkunde
→  Occupancy rate:100%
→  Number of positions: 1
→  Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
→  Term of assignment: 1 jaar
→  Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
→  Required diploma:PhD
 

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

 

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

 

 

YOUR TASKS

 

This postdoc project is part of the BELSPO-PRODEX project "ARRAKIHS Science Development at Ghent University (ASDUG)". ARRAKIHS is a future ESA space mission that will accurately map a number of galaxies in the nearby universe, with the ultimate goal of determining the nature of dark matter. The ASDUG project is part of the scientific preparation of the ARRAKIHS mission, scheduled for launch in 2030.

 

Your assignment consists of the following tasks

  • You extend the SKIRT radiation transfer code with the filters and other characteristics of the ARRAKIHS mission
  • You will investigate and implement advanced imaging techniques in SKIRT, in particular techniques optimized for creating images with low surface brightness.
  • You generate synthetic ARRAKIHS images of galaxies based on cosmological simulations, in particular the COLIBRE simulations.
  • You help in the development of cosmological simulations with alternative forms of dark matter.
  • You collaborate with the members of the ARRAKIHS Science Team and participate and contribute to their meetings.
  • You interact with other members of the Ghent University SKIRT team, and contribute to the research in the research group and to the general development of the SKIRT code.
  • You contribute to education in the Physics and Astronomy course, and/or in the Master of Space Studies course.

 

 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

 

  • You hold a thesis-based doctorate in Astronomy, Physics or Mathematics.
  • You have experience in high-quality scientific research in astronomy, preferably in numerical astrophysics.
  • You have a strong interest in the formation and evolution of galaxies and in the research into dark matter.
  • You have a strong computational background, you are familiar with object-oriented programming and image processing techniques.
  • You can conduct research independently, but you are also a team player who can collaborate well with colleagues at home and abroad.

 

 

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

 

  • We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from 01/01/2025 to 31/12/2025 (possibly to be extended, depending on the availability of BELSPO funding).
  • Your contract will start on 01/01/2025 at the earliest.
  • Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree) or salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate).  Click here for more information about our salary scales.
  • All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

 

 

INTERESTED?

 

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

 

Your application must include the following documents:

 

  • In the field ‘CV’: your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
  • In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
  • In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.

 

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

 

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

 


MORE INFORMATION

 

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Maarten Baes (maarten.baes@ugent.be, +32(0)9/2644794). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via selecties@ugent.be or +32 9 264 34 36