PhD Position in Galactic Magnetism and Radio Astronomy:
Exploration of the Magnetic Milky Way

  ****** PLEASE NOTE: THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED ******

A graduate position is available at the Astronomy Department of Leiden University, in collaboration with the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy ASTRON, for an observational PhD thesis project on Cosmic Magnetism. The project will be supervised by dr. M. Haverkorn (ASTRON/Leiden) in collaboration with dr. P. Katgert (Leiden) and prof. dr. A. G. de Bruyn (ASTRON/Kapteyn).

Large magnetic fields thread through every galaxy, galaxy cluster, and probably even intergalactic space. As magnetic fields are mostly frozen into astrophysical plasmas, they play a major role in interstellar gas dynamics, cosmic ray propagation, star formation, and the galactic energy balance. Modern developments in telescopes and analysis techniques have opened up exciting new possibilities for the detailed study of these magnetic fields and their interaction with the other galaxy components.

Radio polarimetric observations of the Galactic interstellar medium show intriguing, complex magnetic structures which may be connected to e.g. supernova remnants, HII regions, interstellar clouds or magnetic turbulence. The PhD project will focus on understanding these radio polarimetric structures and unraveling the underlying characteristics of the Galactic magnetic field. The student will use the newly developed analysis method of Rotation Measure Synthesis, which allows, under certain circumstances, 3-dimensional imaging of the magnetic field. His or her goal is to discover ways of interpretation of these radio polarimetric structures, potentially including follow-up observations at various telescopes and/or numerical simulations. The project will involve the new low-frequency telescope LOFAR, which is under construction by ASTRON at the moment. LOFAR will be opening up the polarised low frequency universe, and enable first-time detection of weak magnetic fields and magnetic fields high up in the Galactic halo. Due to LOFAR's innovative character customized controlling, processing, and analysis software has to be written and tested extensively. The student is expected to obtain in-depth knowledge of the telescope and its data processing by being strongly involved in the commissioning of the telescope.

The PhD student will be part of the international Magnetism Key Science Project consortium, with which there will be close interaction. He or she will be based at Leiden Observatory, a vibrant and active department of diverse research interests with the largest astronomy PhD student population in the Netherlands. Regular visits to ASTRON in Dwingeloo, the center of Dutch radio astronomy, are required. LOFAR observations are starting this summer, making ASTRON a particularly exciting place to be the coming years. Close interaction with astronomers and engineers at ASTRON will give a broader dimension to the PhD project.

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate interested in both scientific research on magnetic fields and interstellar gas and commissioning of a new telescope. The position is open to students of all nationalities with a Master degree in astronomy or physics or the equivalent. The 4-year project is expected to lead directly to a PhD degree from Leiden University and includes limited assistance in undergraduate teaching. The position is available immediately but the starting date is flexible. The salary will be on the standard Dutch university scale.

Applications should contain a curriculum vitae (including a list of university courses with grades), a statement of research experience and interest, and two letters of reference to be sent separately. Review of applications will start on 15 July 2009 and continue until the position is filled. Requests for further information and applications, by mail or e-mail, can be sent to:

dr. M. Haverkorn
ASTRON
P.O. Box 2
7990 AA Dwingeloo
the Netherlands
phone: +31 - (0)521 595708
e-mail: haverkorn [at] astron [dot] nl