We are advertising a PhD position at the Anton Pannekoek Institute of Astronomy (API) of the University of Amsterdam, to study fast radio bursts (FRBs) within the EuroFlash project and the AstroFlash group.

FRBs present astronomers with a compelling mystery: what is creating these brilliant but ephemeral flashes that travel billions of lightyears before reaching Earth? Whatever is producing the FRBs, it requires an extreme energy density and the conditions for `laser-like’ coherent radio emission to be generated. While recent discoveries show that magnetars are a leading contender, the heterogeneous properties of the known FRB sample strongly suggest that there are multiple FRB source types. If so, then we have multiple mysterious FRB origins to uncover.

Due to the great interest in solving this puzzle, enormous progress has been made in recent years. There are now hundreds of known FRB sources, dozens of which repeat, and some of which have been localised to their exact galactic neighbourhoods. The FRB sample continues to grow at a rapid pace of several new sources per day, thanks to new wide-field radio telescopes. Studying these sources with dedicated follow-up is challenging because they emit sporadically and are only visible for milliseconds or less. At the same time, by casting an even wider net we are likely to discover new types of FRB-like signals.

With EuroFlash, we aim to create a coordinated network of European radio telescopes operating over a broad range of radio frequencies, providing high sensitivity and observing cadence, and achieving the best-possible localisations. We will use this network to perform a world-leading, systematic study of repeating FRBs, to understand their progenitor(s) and their relation to the apparently one-off FRB sources. We will also make a novel exploration of the parameter space of short-duration radio transients by exploiting the large field-of-view of the upgraded LOFAR2.0 and commensal observations to find new sources. In doing so, we aim to discover new types of astrophysical phenomena that probe the extremes of the Universe. The successful PhD candidate will conduct their research using a combination of data from LOFAR2.0, the European VLBI Network (EVN), the Nançay Radio Telescope (NRT), and other European radio dishes.

What are you going to do?

You will be a member of the AstroFlash research group, which is hosted at API/UvA as well as McGill University (Canada), ASTRON (Netherlands), and JIVE (Netherlands); 

• You will devise a research plan together with your advisors, conduct research, and publish research results in the area of fast radio bursts;
• You will deliver a doctoral thesis demonstrating that you have achieved the level of an independent scientist;
• You will assist with teaching courses;
• You will collaborate with other faculty members, postdocs, and students in the AstroFlash research group as well as international collaborators;
• You will co-advise and co-supervise research projects of BSc and MSc students;
• You will write or assist in writing research proposals;
• You will contribute to creating an open, safe and inclusive working environment.

Your profile

• A MSc degree (or equivalent) in astrophysics or a related field on arrival;
• A committed researcher, demonstrated by previous research experiences and possibly also presentations and publications;
• The ability and willingness to collaborate and adapt in a team;
• Good communication skills in oral and written English;
• Previous experience with radio astronomy is an asset but not required. 

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students. 

The starting is negotiable, but the preferred starting date is 15 September 2024.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be € 2,434 to € 3,111 (scale P) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. 

Besides the salary and a vibrant and stimulating environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

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, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or 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.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Jason Hessels, Professor, j.w.t.hessels@uva.nl
• Ziggy Pleunis, Assistant Professor, z.pleunis@uva.nl

Job application

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 below. We accept applications until and including 31 July 2024. 

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, conference proceedings, or presentations, if you have any;
• 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 j.w.t.hessels@uva.nl and z.pleunis@uva.nl.

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.

The interviews will be held in the course of August.