Postdoctoral positions on the study of evolved stars

Information about the division and the department
Research at the Department of Space, Earth and Environment (SEE) addresses fundamental scientific topics. On the one hand, we focus on basic science related to the origins of universe, of our planet and of life. On the other, we observe what is happening on Earth today and develop methods, tools and models that enable us to look towards the future and find solutions to global challenges about resources, energy supply and environmental impact. The research in the division of Astronomy and Plasma Physics (AoP) covers a wide range of topics, including evolved stars, interstellar medium, astrochemistry, star and planet formation, exoplanets,  observational cosmology, galaxy formation and evolution and galaxy clusters. The activities of AoP are primarily situated at the main Johanneberg Campus with further pressence at the Onsala Space Observatory (OSO), which is the Swedish national facility for Radio Astronomy. The observatory operates telescopes in Sweden, shares in the APEX telescope in Chile, and hosts the Nordic ALMA Regional Center (ARC).   

Applications are invited for up to three postdoctoral positions, two in the area of low-mass evolved stars on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and one in the area of high-mass evolved stars in the red supergiant (RSG) phase.  The research for one position will be within our project about probing the extended atmospheres of AGB stars, for the second position in the investigation of the wind-Interstellar Medium (ISM) interaction regions around AGB stars, and for the third position in the investigation of molecular emission and the mass-loss process around RSGs. The postdoctoral positions will be for 2-years with a possible 1 year extension dependent on the availability of funding. The succesful applicants will work with Prof. Wouter Vlemmings, Dr. Theo Khouri, Dr. Matthias Maercker, Dr. Elvire De Beck, as well as other members of the evolved star research group in AoP.

Major responsibilities
The three positions will address three different projects:
1) For the first position, the major responsibility as postdoc is to work with several large data-sets, obtained with ALMA, on the continuum and molecular  line emission originating from the extended atmospheres of AGB stars. These new data have been (and are being) acquired in 2023. The work will include multi-dimensional radiative transfer.
2) The second position focuses on the interaction of the stellar winds with the ISM. The major responsibility as postdoc in this project is to develop hydrodynamical models of the wind-ISM interaction regions, providing the physical conditions in these regions. The models will be used to compare to observations in the infrared to determine the effect on the properties of dust grains released into the ISM.
3) For the third position, the major responsibility as postdoc will be to analyse and develop radiative-transfer models for multiple recent data sets, including both single-dish and interferometric measurements of molecular emission from RSG outflows.

The succesfull applicants will also have the opportunity to collaborate in other projects from members of the evolved stars research group at Chalmers. Furthermore, there is a strong synergy with the work within the large interdiciplinary research project "The Origin and Fate of Dust in the Universe", which is a collaboration between astronomers at Chalmers and theoretical physical chemists at Gothenburg University. It will be possible to join this collaboration as an affiliate member. The positions might also include opportunities for small fractions of time teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or Ph.D. students. The positions are meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Qualifications
To qualify for these postdoc positions, you must have a Ph.D. in astronomy or a relevant field and a demonstrated potential for research. Preference is given to candidates with previous experience with interferometric observations, radiative transfer, hydrodynamical modelling and/or with evolved stars.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The postdoctoral positions will be for 2-years with a possible 1 year extension dependent on the availability of funding.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230593 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 2023-11-30

 
For questions, please contact:
Prof. Wouter Vlemmings, Astronomy & Plasma Physics; Space, Earth and Environment,
wouter.vlemmings@chalmers.se, +46 31 772 6354

Dr. Theo Khouri, Astronomy & Plasma Physics; Space, Earth and Environment,
theo.khouri@chalmers.se, +46 31 772 6022

Dr. Matthias Maercker, Astronomy & Plasma Physics; Space, Earth and Environment,
matthias.maercker@chalmers.se, +46 31 772 1916

Dr. Elvire De Beck, Astronomy & Plasma Physics; Space, Earth and Environment,
elvire.debeck@chalmers.se; +46 31 772 1917

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

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