The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy (API) at the University of Amsterdam invites applicants for multiple PhD positions in astronomy and astrophysics. The positions are open to candidates from any country. The institute provides a stimulating, international environment in a city where English is a common language. Of our current PhD candidates, over 70% are foreign and over 40% are female.

Project description

PhD candidates execute a vigorous research program, under the supervision of one or more faculty members. Positions will be available in a number of fields of research where the institute is active, including exoplanets and their atmospheres, stellar astrophysics, astrophysics of neutron stars and black holes, and the detection and characterization of radio counterparts of gravitational wave sources.
On our website you will find general information about doing a PhD at the API, our research and the available projects.

The successful candidates must have an MSc degree (or equivalent) in physics, astronomy or a related subject, by the PhD starting date, which will typically be in Autumn 2020, but this is negotiable. 

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

University of Amsterdam PhD candidates are fully-funded for four years and earn competitive salaries. At first, a contract will be given for 18 months. If positively evaluated, the contract will be extended by a further 30 months and should lead to a completed PhD thesis. The salary will be in accordance with the University regulations for academic personnel, and will range from €2,325 to €2,972 (salary scale P) gross per month. This is excl. 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end of year bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Additional comprehensive benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, disability insurance, maternity and parental leave and pension contribution. The mandatory Dutch health insurance is not included, but is very affordable (~100 euro per month). Relocation costs (within reason) will also be reimbursed.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

University of Amsterdam

With over 5,000 employees, 30,000 students and a budget of more than 600 million euros, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is an intellectual hub within the Netherlands. Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted within seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Housed on four city campuses in or near the heart of Amsterdam, where disciplines come together and interact, the faculties have close links with thousands of researchers and hundreds of institutions at home and abroad.  

The UvA’s students and employees are independent thinkers, competent rebels who dare to question dogmas and aren’t satisfied with easy answers and standard solutions. To work at the UvA is to work in an independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.

Faculty of Science – Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 6,500, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Anton Pannekoek Institute (API) furthers research, teaching, and public understanding of astronomy. It conducts astronomical research and trains astronomers from bachelor to postdoctoral level, aiming at world-leading level in its activities.