PhD Student Position in Radio Astronomy (Radio continuum halos of galaxies)

PhD Student Position in Radio Astronomy (Radio continuum halos of galaxies)

The Astronomical Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (AIRUB) has one opening for a PhD student position in the framework of the DFG Research Unit FOR 1254 Magnetisation of Interstellar and Intergalactic Media: The Prospects of Low-Frequency Radio Observations.

Subject of the PhD thesis project is polarized radio continuum halos of nearby galaxies (supervised by Prof. Dr. R.-J. Dettmar and Priv.-Doz. Dr. D.J. Bomans).

The goal of the thesis project is the exploration of the magnetic field structure in halos and outflows of nearby galaxies by analyzing radio continuum interferometric data from LOFAR and other major radio interferometers (like JVLA, WRST, and GMRT). The properties of magnetic fields in galaxy halos are tightly linked to the thermal gas (optical and X-ray emission) and star formation history of the host galaxy. These links will be explored in the thesis, taking advantage of active research programs on these topics at AIRUB. The thesis is part of a set of research projects in the context of the AIRUB participation in the LOFAR radio telescope project. AIRUB is founding member of the German LOFAR consortium and runs a LOFAR station near the Forschungszentrum Jülich. The DFG Research Unit FOR 1254 is a collaboration between research groups at the universities in Bonn, Bochum, Hamburg, and Munich, as well as MPIfR Bonn, MPA Garching, AIP Potsdam, and LSW Tautenburg. We therefore can offer a stimulating work environment with regular internal meetings, exchange within this consortium of major German radio astronomy institutes, and regular international guests. The PhD project is also well embedded in the main research areas of the AIRUB, which center on multi-wavelength observational studies of galaxy formation and evolution.

Funding is available for three years, the salary scale is 50% of TV-L13. Included benefits are employer contributions to medical and dental insurance, maternity leave, and retirement benefits. A successful candidate must hold a Master degree or equivalent at the beginning of the appointment. AIRUB is an equal-opportunity employer and as such, considers individuals for employment according to their skills, abilities, and experience. Handicapped applicants will be given preference in case of equal suitability. AIRUB strives to increase the proportion of women in research and specifically encourages female applicants to apply for this position.

Applicants should send their curriculum vitae, abstract of their master thesis, and academic transcript with expected graduation date, and the names and addresses of two persons that would be willing to write letters of recommendation to the address below.
Electronic applications in form of a single PDF file are preferred. Review of applications will begin August 25, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled. 

The closing date for applications is 25 August 2013.