Postdoctoral Position in Theoretical Star Formation Studies

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at the Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (ITA) at the Center for Astronomy of Heidelberg University. The successful candidate will work in the theoretical star-formation group at ITA with Prof. Ralf Klessen, Dr. Simon Glover and Dr. Paul Clark on the formation of stellar clusters in the early universe. The aim is to study the transition from POP III to POP II star formation using numerical simulations that combine hydrodynamics with time-dependent chemistry and radiative transfer. As such, prior experience in computational hydrodynamics and/or radiative transfer and/or astrophysical chemistry is desirable.

The postdoctoral position is part of the FRONTIER project The Formation of the First Stellar Clusters and funded for two years. It comes with generous travel money and access to local and national high-performance computing facilities. Desired starting date is early 2009. Salary is paid according to the German civil service rate TV-L E13.

Applicants should send a CV, list of publications and a statement of research interests to Ralf Klessen (rklessen@ita.uni-heidelberg.de). Applicants should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to the same address. Applications received before January 9th 2009 will receive full consideration. For further information on the star formation group at ITA click HERE .