Overview

Workplace: Stellar populations in galaxies group, Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic

Thesis Topic: Stellar populations across cosmic environments

Supervisor: prof. Rikard von Unge, Ph.D., Dr. Tereza Jeřábková

Type of Cooperation: PhD fellowship (more information on PhD study programmes at the Faculty of Science here)

Expected Start Date: 2025

Application Deadline:  January 15, 2025

About the Workplace

We are looking for highly motivated graduates to join the Laboratory group Stellar populations of the newly formed group led by Tereza Jerabkova / Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics.

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 PhD 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.

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.

Description

This PhD position is designed for a student 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 a detailed project will be tailored to the selected student, ensuring a secure structure and supervision plan based on the student’s needs. Each project will be conducted in collaboration with institutions outside of Masaryk University to ensure that the student can build up a collaborative network early in their career.

There is also the possibility for involvement in teaching and supervision of bachelor/master students within the group, based on the student’s interest, offering a pathway to broader academic development.

Selected student(s) will have an opportunity to:

• Actively contribute to the scientific life of the institute, including participation in seminars, discussions, and collaborations.
• Work on the PhD project based on the agreed and outlined plan
• 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.

Offered Conditions

Selected candidates will receive a comprehensive training in scientific writing, data science and if interested they can attend lectures or summer/winter schools.

Besides, studying at our Faculty is an opportunity to study and live in a modern and dynamic city and one of 10 best student cities.

In addition to the standard PhD scholarship at Masaryk University (CZK 15 000 per month), additional funds are provided through departmental resources (assignment in research projects, additional scholarships). An overall monthly income is typically around CZK 40 000. Additional support includes performance-based bonuses (scholarships for successfully published papers) as well as support for international mobility or attendance of conferences etc, there is a travel budged, and IT equipment budged from the group’s research grant.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Master degree in Astronomy, Astrophysics or related field (required at the time of enrolment to the PhD study program)
• Coding skills in Python or Julia are highly welcome, particularly for tasks such as data analysis, simulations, or the development of new computational tools
• Basic knowledge of observational or theoretical methods in astronomy, with the willingness to learn more advanced techniques (e.g., data analysis, simulations, or modelling)
• Good communication skills (oral and written) in English
• High level of commitment to complete the PhD studies

How to Apply

Please send your curriculum vitae, cover letter with a concise summary of your previous research activities to:

prof. Rikard von Unge, Ph.D., unge@physics.muni.cz, Dr. Tereza Jeřábková email 9050844@guest.muni.cz

Selection Process

Received applications will be continuously reviewed and carefully considered. Shortlisted applicants meeting the requirements will be invited to an interview.

Please note that your application does not substitute an official admission process to Ph.D. studies at SCI MUNI. Details including discussion about the research topic, required documentation or formalities will be a subject of the interview with successful candidates. Only upon the informal pre-agreement with potential future supervisor, a formal application for PhD studies at Faculty of Science, Masaryk University can be submitted.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!