Postdoc of Astronomy

DARK, Niels Bohr Institute
Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen

Applicants are invited for 1-2 postdoctoral research positions in extragalactic stellar streams in Dr. Sarah Pearson’s new group at research section DARK at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. The positions are part of the larger project: “Decoding Dark Matter with Stellar Streams from Beyond the Milky Way.”

DARK’s areas of research include, but are not limited to observations, simulations and theory of astrophysical transients and cosmic explosions (including gravitational waves, tidal disruption events and supernovae), neutrino astrophysics, high-redshift galaxies, fundamental cosmology, dark matter and dark energy, black holes and AGN, and cosmic dust.

DARK is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to background, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or age. DARK strives to facilitate the progress of underrepresented groups in higher education careers and strongly encourages these candidates to apply.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within galactic dynamics. Candidates with a strong background in computational astrophysics and/or galactic dynamics are encouraged to apply. Specific experience with N-body codes is considered a strong asset. Other assets could be experience analyzing large-scale or zoom-in cosmological simulations. Possible projects include: i) Measure dark matter properties from statistical stream samples; ii) Theoretical constraints on dark matter substructure in dwarf galaxies; iii) N-body modeling of stellar streams in dwarf galaxies; iv) statistical model-to-data comparison for globular cluster stream gaps within various dark matter frameworks. Postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to develop ownership of their projects and will receive support to travel to international conferences and visit collaborators. Co-mentoring of students is encouraged, and there will be options to teach if relevant.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ . Inquiries about the position can be made to Assistant Professor Sarah Pearson ([email protected]) and about DARK to secretary, Meagan K Jensen ([email protected] ) and Head of Research Section DARK, Marianne Vestergaard ([email protected] )

The positions are for two years initially, with a possibility of a one-year extension. The start date is between 1 September – 1 December 2024.

The ideal profile:

• Is committed to research excellence with a demonstrated relevant publication track record
• Has a proven ability to conduct independent research, as well as to work effectively as a member of a research team.
• Has an interest in mentoring students.
• Has great command of English (working language)
• Has very good skills in communication, interpersonal, organizational and time management.

The University wishes for our staff composition to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Salary, pension, and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. More on employment conditions: https://ism.ku.dk .

To Apply

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Brief cover letter stating research interests and plans, and how you see yourself fit into Pearson’s group (maximum 2 pages PDF)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 1 particularly relevant paper

Candidates are required to have a PhD degree by the start of the appointment, but a PhD degree is not required at the time of application.

Note: Please do not arrange for letters of reference to be uploaded or sent by the deadline

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 1 November 2023, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the application deadline, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

Selection of the successful candidates will be based on demonstrated originality, independent thinking, skills, impact, and contributions to a diverse working environment.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Interviews will be held in December 2023 and January 2024.

The University of Copenhagen wishes their staff composition to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. 

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.