NL
EN

Postdoctoral Position on Numerical Modeling of Accreting Neutron Stars

  • Faculty of Science
  • 13941
  • PhD
  • €3.378 - €5.331
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    25-05-2025
Apply

Postdoctoral Position on Numerical Modeling of Accreting Neutron Stars

  • Faculty of Science
  • 13941
  • PhD
  • €3.378 - €5.331
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    25-05-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Join us!

Relativistic jets produced by black holes and neutron stars play an important role in shaping our universe, from impacting the formation and evolution of galaxies, to regulating the spin evolution and mass growth of compact objects, to potentially enriching the cosmos with high-energy particles and exotic elements. The true extent of the impact of relativistic jets is, however, strongly dependent on their unknown launch- and powering mechanism. The recent discovery that thermonuclear explosions on the surface of accreting neutron stars produce observable changes in their jet offers a very exciting, completely new opportunity to perform dynamical studies that allow to determine the physical properties of the jet. This project aims to exploit the repeating thermonuclear explosions to shed light on the pressing question how neutron stars launch jets, and on the broad impact of jets for various areas of astrophysics. The research will be carried out within a local/international team, wherein this challenge will be tackled by combining data from state-of-the-art observing facilities with advanced numerical modeling. More information about the project can be found at www.nathaliedegenaar.com/torch.

Working at the UvA

Join us!

Relativistic jets produced by black holes and neutron stars play an important role in shaping our universe, from impacting the formation and evolution of galaxies, to regulating the spin evolution and mass growth of compact objects, to potentially enriching the cosmos with high-energy particles and exotic elements. The true extent of the impact of relativistic jets is, however, strongly dependent on their unknown launch- and powering mechanism. The recent discovery that thermonuclear explosions on the surface of accreting neutron stars produce observable changes in their jet offers a very exciting, completely new opportunity to perform dynamical studies that allow to determine the physical properties of the jet. This project aims to exploit the repeating thermonuclear explosions to shed light on the pressing question how neutron stars launch jets, and on the broad impact of jets for various areas of astrophysics. The research will be carried out within a local/international team, wherein this challenge will be tackled by combining data from state-of-the-art observing facilities with advanced numerical modeling. More information about the project can be found at www.nathaliedegenaar.com/torch.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do?

  • Numerically model the observed response of the accretion flow around a neutron star to thermonuclear explosions;
  • Interpret the numerical results in view of the observed jet response to understand the jet launch mechanism;
  • Numerically model the role of jets in transporting elements formed during the explosions out into the interstellar medium;
  • Devise a research plan together with your advisor, conduct research, and publish research results in the area of high-energy astrophysics;
  • Be a proactive member of the research group and have the opportunity to co-advise research projects of MSc and BSc students;
  • Contribute to creating an open, safe and inclusive working environment.

Your profile

  • A PhD degree in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related discipline, completed within 2 years before the start of the position;
  • A committed researcher, demonstrated by previous research experiences publications and presentations at international conferences;
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills in English;
  • The ability to work both independently and collaboratively;
  • Experience with numerical modeling of accretion flows around neutron stars.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months,  and the possibility to be extended for another 12 months upon satisfactory performance.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,345 to € 5,278 (scale 10) .This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Onderzoekers is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do?

  • Numerically model the observed response of the accretion flow around a neutron star to thermonuclear explosions;
  • Interpret the numerical results in view of the observed jet response to understand the jet launch mechanism;
  • Numerically model the role of jets in transporting elements formed during the explosions out into the interstellar medium;
  • Devise a research plan together with your advisor, conduct research, and publish research results in the area of high-energy astrophysics;
  • Be a proactive member of the research group and have the opportunity to co-advise research projects of MSc and BSc students;
  • Contribute to creating an open, safe and inclusive working environment.

Your profile

  • A PhD degree in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related discipline, completed within 2 years before the start of the position;
  • A committed researcher, demonstrated by previous research experiences publications and presentations at international conferences;
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills in English;
  • The ability to work both independently and collaboratively;
  • Experience with numerical modeling of accretion flows around neutron stars.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months,  and the possibility to be extended for another 12 months upon satisfactory performance.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,345 to € 5,278 (scale 10) .This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Onderzoekers is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Your place at the UvA

You will work in this team

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research, or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, from elementary particles to the birth of the universe to the functioning of the brain.
The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy  (API) furthers research, teaching and public understanding of astronomy. It conducts astronomical research and trains astronomers from bachelor to postdoctoral level, aiming at world-leading levels and activities.

 

 

Organisational unit

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

You will work in this team

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research, or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, from elementary particles to the birth of the universe to the functioning of the brain.
The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy  (API) furthers research, teaching and public understanding of astronomy. It conducts astronomical research and trains astronomers from bachelor to postdoctoral level, aiming at world-leading levels and activities.

 

 

Organisational unit

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button. We accept applications until and including 25 May 2025. Interviews will be conducted in the first half of June.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact:

Applications should include the following information (all files including your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;

  • a list of publications;

  • a letter of motivation (up to 1 page);

  • a research statement, which describes past and current research and your scientific interests (up to 1 page);

  • two letters of reference to be sent via email to [email protected].

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Read more

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button. We accept applications until and including 25 May 2025. Interviews will be conducted in the first half of June.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact:

Applications should include the following information (all files including your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;

  • a list of publications;

  • a letter of motivation (up to 1 page);

  • a research statement, which describes past and current research and your scientific interests (up to 1 page);

  • two letters of reference to be sent via email to [email protected].

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

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