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Faculty of Physics and Astronomy :
Radioastronomy
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.8725 hours/week = 75%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a
PhD Candidate (m/f/x) in Ultra-Low Frequency Radio Astronomy
The radio astronomy group at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), led by Jun.-Prof. Christopher J. Riseley, is looking for a PhD student at the earliest possible date. The position is open to candidates from any country. The group is involved in analysis of radio astronomy data from the Pathfinder and Precursor instruments for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), in particular from large-area radio-wavelength imaging surveys such as the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS) and the Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU) survey with the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP). Scientifically, the group is engaged in research on a variety of astrophysical topics including galaxy evolution, groups and clusters of galaxies, star formation, cosmic rays, and magnetic fields in the Universe.
The successful candidate will work on new radio observations in the (ultra-)low-frequency regime from the newly upgraded LOFAR2.0 telescope. The candidate will play a key role in development of end-to-end data processing pipelines for new data from the LOFAR Low-Band Antennas (LBA) system, with a particular emphasis on decametric observations in the 14 to 30 MHz regime. In addition, the candidate will play a role in benchmarking the efficiency of current leading radio interferometric software on commissioning data from SKA-Low as it becomes available. Scientifically, the candidate will have the opportunity to make best use of data yielded from their work with LOFAR2.0, with opportunities including radio continuum surveys, nearby galaxies, diffuse phenomena in groups and/or clusters of galaxies, depending on their scientific interest. The broader group at RUB provides a stimulating and international environment, with members from many different countries working in different fields.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 years
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-06-30
Your tasks:
- Development of software for processing of (ultra-)low frequency radio interferometric data
- Analysis of radio continuum observations in the low-frequency regime
- Developing new proposals for competitively-allocated scientific and/or technical resources
- Publication of scientific results in appropriate journals
- Presentation of results at the group and collaboration level, as well as national/international conferences
Your profile:
- Bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy or astrophysics
- Master’s degree in physics, astronomy or astrophysics (desirable)
- Experience in radio astronomy (essential) preferentially at low frequencies (desirable)
- Experience in coding, preferentially in python
- Proficient knowledge of English
- Effective communication and presentation skills
- Experience with scientific writing and publication of results
- Willingness to travel
We offer:
Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, Options for flexible working (mobile working and teleworking), Flexible working hours with consideration for study times, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
We are looking forward to receiving your application containing the following documents, combined into a single PDF file: CV (maximum 2 pages) - Statement of interest and previous experience addressing the research profile (maximum 2 pages) - Copies of Bachelor and/or Master thesis and transcript of records
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Jun. Prof. Dr. Christopher Riseley , Tel.: +49 234 32 18595
Ann-Kathrin Prinzenberg (Team Assistant) , Tel.: +49 234 32 18380
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-06-30. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5764.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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