In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.87 hours/week = 75%) September 1, 2025, we are looking for 1
Research associate (m/f/x) for the studies of nearby galaxies - PhD Position
The radio astronomy group at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), led by Jun.-Prof. Christopher J. Riseley, is looking for a PhD student with a starting date of 1st September 2025. The position is open to candidates (m/f/x) from any country. The group is involved in analysis of radio astronomy data from the Pathfinder and Precursor instruments for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), in particular from large-area radio-wavelength imaging surveys such as the Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU) survey with the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) and the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS). Scientifically, the group is engaged in research on a variety of astrophysical topics including galaxy evolution, groups and clusters of galaxies, star formation, cosmic rays, and magnetic fields in the Universe.
The successful candidate (m/f/x) will work on studying nearby galaxies through broad-band radio continuum and polarisation observations from these surveys, linked with multi-wavelength tracers of galaxies’ star formation histories from optical and near-infrared (NIR) observations. The successful candidate (m/f/x) will also have the opportunity to engage in science outreach if desired. The broader group at RUB provides a stimulating and international environment, with members from many different countries working in different fields.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 years
Start: September 1, 2025
Apply by: 2025-08-05
Your tasks:
- Studies of star formation, cosmic rays and magnetic fields in galaxies
- Analysis of radio continuum, polarisation, and optical/NIR spectroscopy data
- Developing new proposals for competitively-allocated scientific and/or technical resources
- Publication of scientific results in appropriate journals
- Presentation of results at the group and collaboration level, as well as national/international conferences
- Teaching
Your profile
- Bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy or astrophysics
- Master’s degree in physics, astronomy or astrophysics (desirable)
- Demonstrated understanding of the physics of galaxy evolution
- Demonstrated experience in radio astronomy (desirable)
- Experience in coding, preferentially in python (desirable)
- Demonstrated ability to secure competitively-allocated scientific and/or technical resources, such as observing time (desirable)
- Proficient knowledge of English
- Effective communication and presentation skills
- Experience in multi-wavelength analysis of galaxy datasets (desirable)
- Experience with scientific writing and publication of results
- Experience communicating scientific results to the public (desirable)
- Willingness to travel
