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| Postdoctoral ERC Fellowship in Black Hole and Multiphase Astrophysics | Closing date: 2025-11-19
Contact: Massimo Gaspari |
| The ERC-CoG BlackHoleWeather is a cutting-edge initiative aimed at understanding how the feeding and feedback of supermassive black holes shape the evolution of galaxies, groups, and clusters, self-consistently linking macro- and micro-scales (Gaspari+20, Nat. Astron.). The successful candidate may contribute on the numerical side (by developing and exploring multiscale MHD simulations) or on the observational side, via the analysis of multi-wavelength data. Applications are equally welcome from both observational and numerical backgrounds, with the possibility to integrate both approaches. | | ▸ more | Numerical track: running and analyzing high-resolution 3D multiscale MHD simulations on GPUs (e.g., AMR codes such as AthenaPK and GAMER); implementing advanced microphysics (e.g., anisotropic conduction/viscosity, chemical networks, star formation, plasma physics); producing synthetic observables (X-ray, optical/IR, radio) and comparing them with observations.
Observational track: reducing and analyzing multi-wavelength datasets (e.g., JWST/HST, Chandra/XMM, ALMA/MeerKAT/LOFAR, MUSE); extracting physical and kinematic properties; performing quantitative comparisons with the MHD simulations.
Cross-cutting activities: publishing first-author scientific papers, presenting results at international conferences, collaborating with global partners (Princeton, MIT, NTU), playing a leading role within the BlackHoleWeather excellence team, mentoring students, engaging in problem-solving, and contributing to ERC deliverables (datasets and codes).
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* Application Details
The position is for 2+2 years, with renewal based on performance. The position may be later upgraded to tenure-track Assistant Professor. The starting date is preferred to be as soon as possible (negotiable).
* Application Instructions
Please submit via the PICA platform (ENG or ITA; see link/PDF below for details) the following:
1. full CV (dated and signed), including publication list and ~3 reference contacts;
2. Cover Letter tailored to this position;
3. brief Research Proposal (max 3 pages) specifying your preferred track (numerical/observational/combined), the methodology you plan to adopt, and deliverables aligned with BlackHoleWeather science;
4. key Publications (up to 10 uploaded PDFs);
5. Valid ID or passport (for non-EU residents).
Eligibility. Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics (or equivalent). Final-year Ph.D. candidates may apply, but the degree must be obtained before contract signing. Working language: English (Italian not required).
Deadline: 19 November 2025, 13:00 CET. Review begins immediately after the deadline; short-listed candidates will be invited to a remote interview discussing prior research and problem-solving experience, scientific output, and core knowledge.
If you have any questions about the position or application procedure, do not hesitate to write to Prof. Gaspari: massimo.gaspari @ unimore.it
You are welcome to send your CV to Prof. Gaspari for pre-screening, but note that complete formal applications must be submitted through the official portal: https://pica.cineca.it/unimore/cdr-2025-19
* Link to Online Application: https://shorturl.at/LmAQi
* Included Benefits
Research benefits: extensive dedicated funds for travel, workshops, and international conferences, plus substantial research and computing resources within the 2 million Euro ERC BlackHoleWeather project, providing an exceptional environment to develop independent ideas and collaborations.
Retirement benefits: full enrollment in Italy's national pension system (INPS), with the employer covering the majority of contributions and annual TFR severance fully funded by the university, ensuring long-term social-security coverage and end-of-contract benefits.
Healthcare benefits: comprehensive coverage through the Italian National Health Service with no premiums required; optional private health insurance may also be supported by the employer for international researchers.
* Compensation Notes
The salary ranks among the highest for research scientists in Italy, close to an assistant professor, and includes full employee benefits. The cost of living in Italy is 2-3x lower than in most Western countries, while Emilia-Romagna offers one of the highest quality-of-life standards in Europe, combining rich culture, excellent food, and affordable living.
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