Post-doc at the Department of theoretical physics and astrophysics

Bursar of the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University announces an open competition for the position

Post-doc at the Department of theoretical physics and astrophysics

Workplace: Department of theoretical physics and astrophysics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic

Type of Contract: temporary position with 2-year contract (with possible extension till 12/2029), non-academic

Working Hours: 1.0 FTE (full-time employment of 40 hours per week)

Expected Start Date: negotiable with respect to immigration timelines for non EU candidates

Number of Open Positions: 1                                              Pay: CZK 60000-65000 per month

Application Deadline: 20.12.2024                                        EU Researcher Profile: R2

About the Workplace

Masaryk University is modern, dynamic and the most attractive university in the Czech Republic with ten faculties, more than 6500 staff and 33 000 students, a wide range of research areas and a strong international position. We are the largest academic employer in the South Moravian Region.

Faculty of Science MU, a holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission, is a research-oriented faculty, offering university education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs) closely linked to both primary and applied research and high school teaching of the following sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth sciences. We are the most productive scientific unit of the Masaryk University generating around 40 % of MU research results.

Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics at the Faculty of Science MU The Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics at Masaryk University is a dynamic and growing department with a broad research focus. In astronomy, the department's expertise spans topics from stellar evolution, binary stars, and open star clusters to high-energy astrophysics, including active galactic nuclei (AGN), the Galactic center, and galaxy clusters. The department actively leads several small space missions and is currently preparing for the launch of the QUVIK space telescope.

The close proximity to the University of Vienna and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) offers ample opportunities for collaborations, which are highly encouraged. Interaction with other international collaborations already established, such as those with institutes like Macquarie University (Sydney), TRACERS at IAC, and University of Bonn, as well as institutions like ESO and ESA, is also supported and provides further opportunities to expand the research direction.

The advertised postdoctoral position will be in a newly established research group focusing on stellar populations in galaxies. The group’s research covers topics such as resolved stellar populations in the Milky Way, chemical evolution in galaxies, and the variability of the stellar initial mass function. The position is funded through the MASH grant, which provides comprehensive funding for equipment and travel. The position will be part of the newly formed group of Dr. Tereza Jeřábková.

Job Description

This postdoctoral position is designed for a researcher with scientific interests in the field of stellar populations in galaxies. The position allows for flexibility in the specific research focus, which can range from more theoretical approaches to contributing to the development of the group’s code base (e.g., galIMF code on GitHub). Candidates with observational expertise are equally welcome to apply. The position offers a supportive environment where, based on the selected candidate’s experience and preferences, the work can range from guided projects to more independent research.

There are also opportunities for involvement in the supervision of students and teaching, offering a path to broader academic development.

Key Duties:

• Actively contribute to the scientific life of the institute, including participation in seminars, discussions, and collaborations.
• Support the activities and ongoing projects within the research group.
• Maintain and develop your own research within the scope of the group’s interests, ensuring consistent scientific output.
• Optionally participate in the supervision of students and teaching duties, fostering a collaborative and educational environment.
• Travel to scientific conferences and visit collaborating research groups to present findings and engage in joint projects.

Skills and Qualifications

The applicant must have:

• PhD Degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics (at the time of starting the postdoctoral position)
• Experience in the research area of stellar populations in galaxies, including the Milky Way
• Good communication skills (oral and written) in English

The applicant should have:

• Strong communication skills, both for scientific writing and presentations
• Ability to work collaboratively within a research group and with external collaborators
• Proficiency in relevant observational or theoretical methods, depending on the candidate's focus (e.g., data analysis, numerical simulations, or stellar population modeling)
• Coding skills in Python or Julia are highly welcome, particularly for tasks such as data analysis, simulations, or the development of new computational tools

Informal inquiries about the position can be sent to prof. Rikard von Unge, Ph.D., email unge@physics.muni.cz, Dr. Tereza Jeřábková, email 9050844@guest.muni.cz.  

We Offer

• Generous budget for travel and equipment, allowing for participation in international conferences and collaborations, as well as access to cutting-edge research tools
• The competitive salary provides ample buying power, enabling a comfortable living standard, including accommodation in the city center of Brno
• A supportive and inclusive group environment that values work-life balance, with defined core hours and the possibility to work from home. We are committed to accommodating individual needs, including those related to disabilities, neurodivergence, and ADHD, fostering a workspace where everyone can thrive
• Long-term stability with the potential for a contract of up to 5 years, depending on the starting date, ensuring the security and continuity necessary for career development
• An interesting job in a dynamically-expanding university area
• Flexible working hours and occasional home office to support personal needs in family and career compatibility
• Employee benefits such as 6 weeks of paid vacation per year, pension insurance contribution or nursery/children´s group allowance, a financial meal allowance, lunches in canteens of MU, Multisport card, vaccinations free of charge, discounted language courses, exclusive mobile tariff offer by Vodafone, childcare groups at Campus and Komenského náměstí)
• Opportunity to work and live in a modern and dynamic city (for more information on costs of living, you can refer to Numbeo)
• Welcome Office provides support with your relocation to Brno

Application Process

The application shall be submitted online by 20.12.2024 via an e-application, please find the reference to the e-application in the beginning and end of the advertisement.

The candidate shall provide following:

• CV
• Cover letter detailing your motivation for applying and how you plan to contribute to the research group's focus areas
• Research statement (max 2 pages)
• Summary of research outputs and publications (can be part of the CV)
• Names and contact details of at least 2 references (who can provide letters of recommendation if needed or  be contacted for further information)

After submitting your application successfully, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from jobs.muni.cz.

Selection Process

Received applications will be considered carefully in line with principles of the EU Charter and Code for Researchers. Selection criteria: (i) meeting qualification requirements described above, (ii) all required documents provided.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal or online interview.

The Faculty Recruitment Policy (OTM-R) can be seen here.

Faculty of Science, Masaryk University is an equal opportunity employer. We support diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Visit our Career page.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!