Are you our new colleague?
Are you an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher who wants to study the role of mergers in galaxy evolution utilizing imaging data from large and deep galaxy surveys (such as data from the Kilo-Degree Survey and the Euclid mission)? Do you have a Ph.D. in astronomy or a related field and do you have experience with large galaxy surveys, machine learning and/or simulations? We would like to encourage you to apply.

You and SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research
You will work closely with experts in machine learning / deep learning and simulations of galaxy formation and evolution within SRON and The University of Groningen.

Your position and team
The Astrophysics program at SRON is headed by dr. Frank Helmich. Deputy head is dr. Jan-Willem den Herder. The Astrophysics science group attached to this program consists currently of 52 persons, largely filled in by externally funded positions and guest scientists. You will join the research group led by dr. Lingyu Wang at SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research and University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

Your project
Galaxy mergers result from cataclysmic collisions between galaxies, triggering intense bursts of star formation, rapidly feeding supermassive black holes in galactic centers, and eventually forming a new single entity under the influence of gravity. Mergers are among the most violent events in the Universe and therefore have a profound influence on the structure of the cosmos. The overarching goal of this project is to greatly advance our knowledge of galaxy evolution by quantifying, in detail, the role of galaxy mergers across cosmic time, using an integrated approach that combines three recent breakthroughs in high-resolution galaxy surveys, computer vision using deep learning techniques, and state-of-the-art cosmological simulations.

We are looking for a person with a Ph.D. in astronomy or a related field. We would like to see demonstrable experience of this through a portfolio of small or large projects, preferably with detailed photos and explanations.

Fixed-term contract: Will initially be for a period of 2 years with extension up to 4 years based on satisfactory research performance.

Employment of this full-time position at SRON-Groningen is by NWO (The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research) and will initially be for a period of 2 years with extension up to 4 years based on satisfactory research performance. The salary will be in accordance with the salary scales of NWO scale 10 with a maximum of € 4.452,-- gross per month on a full-time basis (highly depending on level of education and experience). Funding for travel and computing expenses will be provided. The nominal start date is 1 September 2021. You will also be supported to engage in the broader career development at SRON and the University of Groningen.

NWO has good secondary employment conditions such as:

• An end of year bonus of 8,33% of the gross yearly salary;
• 42 days of vacation leave a year on full-time basis;
• An excellent pension scheme;
• Options for (additional) personal development;
• Excellent facilities for parental leave;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary;
• Ample training opportunities;
• Possibility of flexible working hours;
• A favorable parental leave scheme.

SRON

Why SRON
SRON's mission is to achieve breakthroughs in international scientific research from space. To this end, SRON develops groundbreaking technology and advanced space instruments. SRON promotes societal applications for space technology.

About SRON
We have a strong international reputation as 'excellent in space research'. The quality and societal relevance of our science is considered ‘world-leading’. Our mission is to bring about breakthroughs in international space science. Therefore our Instrument Science Group, supported on project basis by the Engineering Group, technologically enables breakthroughs in our science programs: Technology, Astrophysics, Earth science (atmospheric science), Exoplanetary science.