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European Astronomical Society
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| PhD position on stellar standard candles with 4MOST & Gaia | Closing date: 2026-10-31
Contact: Richard I. Anderson |
The Institute of Astrophysics and Geophysics at the Georg-August-University in Göttingen is inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD position on stellar standard candle calibration and systematics.
The successful applicant will contribute to an improved measurement of the Hubble constant by studying populations of evolved variable stars. The focus will be on statistical stellar standard candles, e.g., the Tip of the Red Giant Branch and J-region AGB methods, aiming to improve absolute calibrations and mitigating systematics. | | ▸ more | Access to data from the 4-metre multi-object spectroscopic telescope (4MOST) will be provided, and contributions to the 4MOST project are expected. Data from the ESA Gaia mission and other survey datasets (e.g., Roman, Rubin/LSST, OGLE) will complement the analysis. Follow-up observations will be encouraged, e.g., using ESO’s facilities, Hubble and James Webb Space Telescope, or other observatories (e.g., Euler, MONET, HET). Contributions to the VELOCE project and the Wide-field Spectroscopic Telescope (WST) are also possible.
Your profile
- Master’s or equivalent degree in physics, astronomy/astrophysics for admission to the doctoral program (degree completion required by starting date)
- Experience in coding and data analysis
- Experience in stellar astrophysics, especially variable and/or evolved stars, is an asset
- Experience in spectroscopic and/or photometric data analysis is an asset
- Experience with time-series and/or large data sets is an asset
- Willingness to travel (inter-)nationally and to conduct astronomical observations
- Collaborative attitude, communicative, and problem-solver mindset
- Very good command of the English language
What we offer
- A dynamic research atmosphere at the intersection between stellar astronomy and observational cosmology
- Personalized supervision and disciplinary training
- Fully funded PhD position, including funds for travel and publications
- An interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment with expertise spanning from the Solar system to the Early Universe
- Access to state-of-the-art observational infrastructure
- Comprehensive benefits package according to TV-L
- A strong commitment to diversity, equality, and mutual respect
The position is based in Göttingen, a charming university city at the heart of Germany.
Benefits
Fully-funded, three-year part-time position (60%) according to German salary scale TV-L E13. Benefits include standard German benefits, including paid vacation days, employer contributions to health insurance and social security. Funding for travel, publications, etc. is available.
Information on the Georg-August University School of Science (GAUSS) PhD program can be found here:
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/doctoral+candidates/565763.html
How to Apply
Note concerning generative AI: Please help us understand who *you* are by refraining from using generative AI, e.g., Claude or ChatGPT, to prepare your documents. Please also include short end notes in your motivation letter and research statement explaining whether and how AI was used.
Please submit your application as a single pdf containing a motivation letter, statement of research experience and interests (max. 3 pages), curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages), university degrees, transcript of records, and contact details of up to three referees electronically via the application portal of the University using this link: https://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76679
For general information, please contact the Institute’s secretariat: sekr @ astro.uni-goettingen.de
For specific questions about the position, please contact richard.anderson @ uni-goettingen.de
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