Postdoctoral Researcher - Fysica en Sterrenkunde

Organisation/Company Ghent University Research Field Astronomy » Astrophysics Physics » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Final date to receive applications 15 Feb 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

→Apply before 15/02/2026(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 unlimited duration with clause
→Term of assignment:3 jaar
→Wage scale:

PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
→Required diploma:

PhD

Postdoctoral researcher in theoretical modeling of supernovae

Through this opening we are looking for a motivated researcher to join the stellar astrophysics group of Prof. Pablo Marchant, within the context of the ERC starting grant project Star-Grasp. Project will be carried out in close collaboration with Prof. Takashi Moriya from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. The Star-Grasp project aims to constrain the physics involved in the formation of gravitational wave sources through the study of intermediate evolutionary stages that can be constrained through electromagnetic observations.

The candidate will be responsible for the computation of state-of-the-art models of pulsational pair-instability supernovae making use of a novel stellar evolution code being developed in Ghent University. Research will include an important component of code development, in order to produce multi-color light curves of supernovae in 1D simulations that account for the physics of the stellar core (nucleosynthesis and convection), which are critical for the modeling of pair-instability.

Results of this research will be placed in context with the observed mass spectrum of black holes in gravitational wave sources, as well as the possible identification of (pulsational) pair-instability supernovae in ongoing transient surveys.

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

• At least 80% of your assignment will be spent on academic research.
• Development of methods and simulations that include radiative transfer hydrodynamics in 1D stellar evolution.
• Possible (co-)supervision of MsC and PhD students.
• Supporting the educational efforts of the department through teaching assignment duties.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a thesis-based doctorate (obtained max. 6 years ago. This term of 6 years is determined by the date written on the above-mentioned required diploma), preferably on astrophysics or physics. If your doctorate has not been completed yet, it is expected that you are in possession of a PhD degree by the start date of the position.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered strong assets in the application:
  • Theoretical stellar astrophysics
  • Radiative transfer in stellar atmospheres
  • Theoretical modeling of supernovae.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of 3 years.
• Your contract will start on 1/09/2026 at the earliest.
• 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, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.  for a complete overview of all the staff benefits .

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment systembefore the Final date to receive applications (see above). We do not accept late…