Postdoctoral Position in Massive Star Group

Postdoctoral Position in Massive Star Group

UvA - University of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

What are you going to do

The Massive Star group at API works on a variety of topics relevant for the formation and evolution of massive stars, the majority of which live their lives in close binary systems. In this project, you will be establishing a better understanding of interactions in binary systems, and the impact such interactions have on the further evolution, final fate and feedback of massive stars.

In this context, you will develop new theoretical predictions, both using detailed (MESA) and rapid (e.g., SeBa) stellar-evolution predictions for different physics assumptions, with a particular focus on the spin-up of the accretor star. For this, you will take into account our most recent findings about binary interactions, and develop a new framework to identify counterparts to OBe stars, that is rapidly rotating O- and B-type stars, in the predictions.

The new predictions for entire populations of massive stars will be tailored to modern observations of massive stars, in particular OBe stars in our Milky Way as well as in the ongoing BLOeM survey (Shenar et al. 2024, A&A 690, 289). You will directly compare predictions such as the relative number of different types of companions to OBe stars, their period and eccentricity distributions to the observational findings of those objects derived in our group.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• You will compute new evolutionary predictions for massive binary systems, with a particular focus on OBe stars, and compare their predicted properties to modern observations, for example in the context of the BLOeM survey.
• You will collaborate with other faculty members, postdocs, and students in the Massive star research group as well as international collaborators (in particular as part of the BLOeM collaboration).
• You will have the opportunity to co-advise research projects of PhD, MSc and BSc students as an active member of the Massive Star research group.
• You will contribute to creating an open, safe and inclusive working environment.

Your profile

• A PhD in astronomy (or equivalent).
• A strong background in stellar astrophysics, especially in stellar-evolution modeling and population synthesis calculations.
• A committed researcher, demonstrated by previous research experiences, publications and presentations at international conferences.
• The ability and willingness to collaborate and work in a team.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English.