Postdoctoral Researcher in Asteroseismology of Binary Stars University of Leuven, Belgium

Postdoctoral Researcher in Asteroseismology of Binary Stars University of Leuven, Belgium

Applications are invited for a full-time position of a junior post-doctoral scientist at the Institute of Astronomy, Leuven University, Belgium. The position is part of the collaborative project SpaceInn: Exploitation of Space Data for Innovative Helio- and Asteroseismology SpaceInn which is funded under EU's Framework Programme 7 and aims at an optimal use of existing and planned data in helio- and asteroseismology (http://www.spaceinn.eu).

The successful candidate will join the Leuven research group on asteroseismology led by Prof. Conny Aerts, which consists of 1 staff member, 4 PhD students, and 6 postdocs. This research group is part of the Institute of Astronomy (http://fys.kuleuven.be/ster) within the Department of Physics and Astronomy (some 400 FTEs) of Leuven University.

The focus of the research work is on the data analysis and interpretation of pulsators in close binary stars. The candidate is expected to develop and disseminate software packages to perform asteroseismology of binary pulsators. Software needs to be developed and documented according to the standards that are adopted by the Institute of Astronomy. The applicant will also be in charge of the management and annual reporting of WP4 within  the SpaceInn project.

Applicants should have a PhD in astrophysics and research experience in the fields of asteroseismology and of binary stars. Knowledge of python and of implementation of webinterfaces are assets.

The position runs over 18 to 24 months, depending on the seniority of the selected candidate.  Salary is according to the standard regulations for postdocs at Belgian universities.  The nominal starting date is 15 January 2014 but this is negotiable.

Candidates should send their application, including a full curriculum vitae, a 1-page statement of interest and the names and contact information of three potential referees, in PDF format to Dr. Katrijn Clemer: katrijn@ster.kuleuven.be

The deadline for applications is 20 October 2013; a decision will be taken by the end of November 2013.