Postdoctoral Position in Computational Astrophysics - Planet Formation in Zürich

A 1+1 year postdoctoral position is available at the Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics, Department of Physics, within the group of Prof. Judit Szulagyi. The position is in computer simulations of planet formation, funded through an ERC Starting grant (Planet- and Moon-Factory; PI: J. Szulagyi). The desired starting date is as soon as possible, but the latest of Feb 1st 2024.

The project is attacking the questions of planet formation and will use mainly hydrodynamical simulations to measure how planetary accretion rates are depending on the characteristic of the local disk environment. You will be expected to code in C and Python and add new modules to our existing code, including self-gravity.

In our research group, we are using various computational methods (hydrodynamical simulations, population synthesis, N-body simulations, radiative transfer etc.) to study processes that take place in various astrophysical disks. You will be part of a vibrant research institute, where multiple groups are working in the field of astrophysics. Our group is also associated with the ETH AI Center and the Computational Science Zurich Institute. 

You will be responsible to carry out the research project and expected to participate in the group's activities, including teaching and supervision of students. Furthermore, you will carry out 3D (radiative) thermo-hydrodynamical simulations with dust+gas with an existing code (written in C language) on supercomputers, and further develop that code to add additional relevant physics, e.g. self-gravity. The salary will be in accordance with the with an increase every year. Salary-scale is fixed and non-negotiable.

• PhD by the starting date of the position in quantitative sciences/engineering (e.g., astrophysics, physics, computer science, computational science or a related field), and the PhD degree should not be older than 5 years.
• Proven record of programming skills and code development

Nice to have experience in one or more of the following:

• Experience in astrophysical research, especially regarding disk physics
• Experience with computational fluid dynamics simulations with/without radiative transfer, with/without self-gravity
• Experience in teaching/supervising students

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.