Researcher in Galactic dynamics studies for Gaia and GaiaNIR

The position is placed at the Division of Astrophysics in the Department of Physics to work with Prof. David Hobbs working on the Gaia mission, validating the results of the mission, and on developing science cases for the future GaiaNIR space astrometry mission. The project will focus on determining how well GaiaNIR, combined with Gaia, can measure the dynamical properties of our Galaxy using astrometry in the Visible and Near Infrared (NIR). The combination of the Gaia and GaiaNIR missions will greatly enhance the astrometric results of common stars allowing for a more detailed analysis of the dynamics of our Galaxy while the GaiaNIR mission will also provide new measurements in the hidden regions of the Galaxy. The Gaia mission is currently in operation and producing results for more than two billion stars in our Galaxy while the GaiaNIR mission is planned to be launched around 2045 and is estimated to observe a further 34 billion stars hidden behind dust in the most dynamically important regions of the Galaxy. This research will support the scientific proposals to the European Space Agency for the GaiaNIR mission which are currently being developed.

Work duties

The employee will work on simulations of the Galaxy, mainly based on N-body simulations, to include different populations of stars and their associated dynamical properties. The models may also be supplemented with real Gaia data and realistic 3D extinction models to produce mock stellar catalogues which will allow us to assess how well these populations and dynamical features (examples include: the bulge/bar, spiral arms and Galactic center regions) of the Galaxy can be resolved with the future GaiaNIR mission. An observational model of GaiaNIR’s optics and detectors will also be incorporated to assess the end-of-mission accuracy achievable. Further development will involve adapting existing software to allow the results of the mock catalogues to be loaded into AGISLab and perform astrometric solutions for the new mission, with and without Gaia data, to verify the end-of-mission accuracy predictions.
The employee is expected to promote the research results via publication of scientific papers, give talks at international conferences and by visiting other research institutes and giving seminars. This will mean some travel and there is a budget available for this but the employee is also expected to apply for travel funds from external bodies, such as learned societies and research councils.
The employee is expected to contribute to the group’s daily scientific life and participate in meetings with collaborators in Lund and elsewhere where we share research results and have scientific discussions.
Work duties will include:
Developing and/or using N-body simulations to include stellar populations and dynamical features in a galaxy model.
Inclusion of real Gaia data with the N-body models.
Addition of realistic 3D extinction models and end-of-mission accuracy models for GaiaNIR.
Development of AGISLab to model the GaiaNIR mission, with and without Gaia data.
Collaboration and participation within the research group.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

a PhD or equivalent research qualification within the subject of the position and broadly related to galactic dynamics and numerical simulations of galaxies.
At least two years of postdoctoral experience.
very good oral and written proficiency in English.
good ability to carry out high-quality research.
the employee should be specialized in theory and modelling.
Additional requirements:
Experience of N-body simulations of galaxies.
Knowledge of astrometry and the Gaia mission.
Knowledge of python and other programming languages is a strong advantage.
Experience of handling large data sets within international collaborations.
It is advantageous to have good knowledge of statistics and its applications in the field.
Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee
Work at Lund University
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Further information

The position is a fixed-term full-time appointment for a period of one year, starting on 1 May 2027 and ending no later than 30 April 2028.

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”
Welcome to apply!