项目介绍

2025年4月13日

Relativistic jets produced by black holes and neutron stars play an important role in shaping our universe, from impacting the formation and evolution of galaxies, to regulating the spin evolution and mass growth of compact objects, to potentially enriching the cosmos with high-energy particles and exotic elements. The true extent of the impact of relativistic jets is, however, strongly dependent on their unknown launch- and powering mechanism. The recent discovery that thermonuclear explosions on the surface of accreting neutron stars produce observable changes in their jet offers a very exciting, completely new opportunity to perform dynamical studies that allow to determine the physical properties of the jet. This project aims to exploit the repeating thermonuclear explosions to shed light on the pressing question how neutron stars launch jets, and on the broad impact of jets for various areas of astrophysics. The research will be carried out within a local/international team, wherein this challenge will be tackled by combining data from state-of-the-art observing facilities with advanced numerical modeling. More information about the project can be found at www.nathaliedegenaar.com/torch.

What are you going to do?

• Analyse data obtained at X-ray, UV, optical, infrared and/or radio wavelengths with facilities like NICER, XMM-Newton, Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope, Very-Large Telescope, and Very-Large Array;
• Perform spectral and timing analysis of the thermonuclear explosions, accretion flow and jet;
• Interpret the observational results in the context of various theoretical models and simulations to understand the launch mechanism of jets;
• Devise a research plan together with your advisor, conduct research, and publish research results in the area of high-energy astrophysics;
• Be a proactive member of the research group and have the opportunity to co-advise research projects of MSc and BSc students;
• Contribute to creating an open, safe and inclusive working environment.

Your profile

• A MSc degree (or equivalent) in physics, astronomy or a related subject, completed before the start of the position;
• Excellent oral and written communications skills in English;
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is fall 2025. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,872 to € 3,670 (scale P) .This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Promovendus is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.