Postdoc of Astronomy

DARK, Niels Bohr Institute
Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen

Applicants are invited for a postdoctoral research position in modeling of gas flows near black holes in active galactic nuclei (AGN) in Prof. Marianne Vestergaard’s group at research section DARK at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. The position is part of a larger project to model observational data with the aim to constrain the physics and dynamics of ionized gas in AGN. There will be opportunity to also pursue independent research that may or may not be aligned with the project.

DARK’s areas of research include, but are not limited to: observations, simulations and theory of astrophysical transients and cosmic explosions (including gravitational waves, tidal disruption events and supernovae), neutrino astrophysics, high-redshift galaxies, fundamental cosmology, dark matter, black holes and AGN, and cosmic dust. DARK scientists are situated in the new Niels Bohr Building, sharing space with the other astrophysics sections (Stars & Planets, Cosmic DAWN center) and the rest of the Niels Bohr Institute.

DARK is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a working climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to background, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or age. DARK strives to facilitate the progress of underrepresented groups in higher education careers and strongly encourages these candidates to apply.

Candidates with a background in computational astrophysics and/or gas dynamics are strongly encouraged to apply. A background on photoionization physics is a strong asset (i.e., advantage). Specific experience with high performance computing, parallelization of software code, and development of large software codes from scratch are also considered an advantage, but none are requirements. Experience with hydrodynamical code development is not a requirement. Experience with the use of advanced optimization methods, such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo, Bayesian Inference methods, and/or the use of the ‘Cloudy’ photoionization code are both assets, as is a background in AGN physics.

The postdoc will be part of an international collaboration with a local team of students and other postdocs. The postdoc’s duties will include (a) structure and develop software code to model dynamics of ionized gas in AGN; (b) write and apply software code for data analysis and modeling, simulations, and to assess the statistical significance of results; (c) write scientific papers on project results; (d) help co-supervise PhD students, (e) help organize and run local team meetings and more generally contribute to an interactive and inspiring work place. The post may also include performance of other tasks, such as helping run DARK journal club, organize Cake Talks and co-host visitors.

Postdoctoral researchers will receive support to travel to international conferences, and visit collaborators. Co-mentoring of undergraduate students is encouraged (but not required), and there will be options to teach, if interested.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position and DARK can be made to Head of Research Section DARK, Professor Marianne Vestergaard (mvester@nbi.dk).

The position is for two years initially, with a possibility of extension. The start date is as soon as possible after 15 March 2025, to be negotiated.

The ideal profile:

• Has a PhD in Astrophysics
• Has experience developing and writing software code and working with High Performance Computing
• Has a strong physics background on matter-radiation interaction (photoionization physics)
• Is committed to research excellence with a demonstrated relevant publication track record
• Has a proven ability to conduct independent research, publish the work, as well as to work effectively as a member of a research team
• Has great command of English (working language)
• Has very good skills in communication, interpersonal, organizational and time management.
• Has an interest in mentoring students

The University wishes for our staff composition to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. 

Salary, pension, and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. In addition to the basic salary a monthly contribution to a pension fund is added (17.1% of the salary). Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

More on employment conditions: https://ism.ku.dk.

To Apply

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Brief cover letter stating research interests and plans, and how you see yourself fit into DARK and Vestergaard’s group (maximum 2 pages PDF). Also please highlight the software coding language of your choice.
• Complete publication list with highlight of 1-2 particularly relevant paper(s), explaining  the relevance.

Candidates are required to have a PhD degree by the start of the appointment, but a PhD degree is not required at the time of application.

Note: Please do not arrange for letters of reference to be uploaded or sent by the deadline

The deadline for applications is 5 January 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the application deadline, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

Selection of the successful candidates will be based on demonstrated originality, independent thinking, skills, and impact.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held in February 2025.