University Assistant (predoc): Interdisciplinary Advances in Extragalactic Archaeology
Supervision: Prashin Jethwa and Glenn van de Ven (Department of Astrophysics) in collaboration with Otmar Scherzer (Faculty of Mathematics)
Project outline:
This PhD position is part of an interdisciplinary collaboration [1] where mathematicians in the field of inverse-problemsand scientists in fields from microscopy to astrophysics work together to solve challenging modelling problems. As part of this collaboration, you will develop and apply novel techniques to uncover galaxy formation histories from integral field unit (IFU) observations of nearby galaxies. Interested candidates with a background in astrophysics, applied mathematics or computational sciences are welcome to apply.
We can infer the formation history of a galaxy from present-day observations since certain quantities are approximately conserved during a galaxy’s evolution. These quantities include stellar population labels such as metallicity as well as dynamical properties describing stellar orbits. In this project we will combine these two complementary probes into hybrid population-dynamical models to reveal a galaxy’s past, including mergers that happened billions of years ago.
The “Dynamics of Stellar Systems” research group [2] in Vienna develops software for orbit-based dynamical modelling [3] which has recently been extended to include stellar population information [4]. You will develop these methods further by including additional population labels, explore uncertainty quantification methods, apply these to state-of-the-art galaxy IFU datasets, and use cosmological zoom-in simulations to verify and interpret your results. This project works towards an ultimate aim of identifying specific events in the formation histories of hundreds of nearby galaxies.
[1] FWF Special Research Programme (SFB) ”Tomography Across the Scales”
[2] Research Group "Dynamics of Stellar Systems"
[3] Dynamical modelling code DYNAMITE
[4] Zhu L., van de Ven G., Leaman R., et al., 2020, MNRAS, 496, 1579
Job Description:
The position aims to deepen and extend the professional and scientific education targeting a doctoral degree. Tasks and responsibilities include:
● Independent research and development of an academic profile targeting a doctoral degree. We expect the successful candidate to sign a doctoral thesis agreement within one year.
● Participation in research, teaching and administrative tasks of the research group/department
● Participation in examination activities
● Participation in evaluation activities and in quality assurance
● Supervision of students
● Participation in teaching as defined by the collective agreement
The candidate who is selected for this position joins VISESS as a PhD student member.
Profile:
● Master Degree (or equivalent) in Astrophysics/Astronomy with affinity for Mathematics/Computer Science –or– in Mathematics/Computer Science with an affinity for Astrophysics/Astronomy
● Excellent command of written and spoken English
Expected starting date: Summer/Autumn 2022
Duration of employment: 3 years with the possibility of extensions up to 4 years. The employment relationship is initially limited to 1.5 years and automatically extended to a total of 3 years unless the employer submits a declaration of non-renewal after a maximum of 12 months. In exceptional, well argumented cases and on the condition that budget is available, there is the possibility of extensions up to 4 years.
We offer:
● Job grading in accordance with collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) with relevant work experience determining the assignment to a particular salary grade
● An active and inspiring research environment, a vibrant PhD community and many ways to connect with peers from home and abroad on a social and professional level
● A broad range of interdisciplinary training possibilities and school activities, such as leadership skill trainings, workshops, seminars, mobility and summer schools
Extent of employment: 30 hours/week
Application: Interested students can apply until the deadline of 15 April 2022 via: <https://visess.univie.ac.at/how-to-apply/>.
Further information: For further information, please contact <admin.visess@univie.ac.at>.
The University pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity (http://diversity.univie.ac.at/). The University lays special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female applicants.