Join us!
We are looking for a 2-year junior postdoctoral researcher to fill an open position in the Massive Star research group at the Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy (API) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA), advised by Dr. Julia Bodensteiner.
What are you going to do
The Massive Star group at API works on a variety of topics relevant for the formation and evolution of massive stars, the majority of which live their lives in close binary systems. In this project, you will be establishing a better understanding of interactions in binary systems, and the impact such interactions have on the further evolution, final fate and feedback of massive stars.
In this context, you will develop new theoretical predictions, both using detailed (MESA) and rapid (e.g., SeBa) stellar-evolution predictions for different physics assumptions, with a particular focus on the spin-up of the accretor star. For this, you will take into account our most recent findings about binary interactions, and develop a new framework to identify counterparts to OBe stars, that is rapidly rotating O- and B-type stars, in the predictions.
The new predictions for entire populations of massive stars will be tailored to modern observations of massive stars, in particular OBe stars in our Milky Way as well as in the ongoing BLOeM survey (Shenar et al. 2024, A&A 690, 289). You will directly compare predictions such as the relative number of different types of companions to OBe stars, their period and eccentricity distributions to the observational findings of those objects derived in our group.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- You will compute new evolutionary predictions for massive binary systems, with a particular focus on OBe stars, and compare their predicted properties to modern observations, for example in the context of the BLOeM survey.
- You will collaborate with other faculty members, postdocs, and students in the Massive star research group as well as international collaborators (in particular as part of the BLOeM collaboration).
- You will have the opportunity to co-advise research projects of PhD, MSc and BSc students as an active member of the Massive Star research group.
- You will contribute to creating an open, safe and inclusive working environment.
Your profile
- A PhD in astronomy (or equivalent).
- A strong background in stellar astrophysics, especially in stellar-evolution modeling and population synthesis calculations.
- A committed researcher, demonstrated by previous research experiences, publications and presentations at international conferences.
- The ability and willingness to collaborate and work in a team.
- Excellent communication and writing skills in English.
Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months, and the possibility to be extended for another 12 months upon satisfactory performance. The preferred starting date is flexible, but the latest in Autumn 2026. The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €3,546 to €5,538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
Besides the salary and a vibrant and stimulating environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
- 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
- multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
- multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
- multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with100+ different courses;
- 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
- partly paid parental leave;
- the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
- a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
- the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
Where you will work
The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programs. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research, or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, from elementary particles to the birth of the universe to the functioning of the brain.
The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy (API) furthers research, teaching and public understanding of astronomy. It conducts astronomical research and trains astronomers from bachelor to postdoctoral level, aiming at world-leading levels and activities.
Are you interested in massive stars, binary systems and how they interact? Then this Postdoctoral position is for you.
Join us!
We are looking for a 2-year junior postdoctoral researcher to fill an open position in the Massive Star research group at the Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy (API) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA), advised by Dr. Julia Bodensteiner.
What are you going to do
The Massive Star group at API works on a variety of topics relevant for the formation and evolution of massive stars, the majority of which live their lives in close binary systems. In this project, you will be establishing a better understanding of interactions in binary systems, and the impact such interactions have on the further evolution, final fate and feedback of massive stars.
In this context, you will develop new theoretical predictions, both using detailed (MESA) and rapid (e.g., SeBa) stellar-evolution predictions for different physics assumptions, with a particular focus on the spin-up of the accretor star. For this, you will take into account our most recent findings about binary interactions, and develop a new framework to identify counterparts to OBe stars, that is rapidly rotating O- and B-type stars, in the predictions.
The new predictions for entire populations of massive stars will be tailored to modern observations of massive stars, in particular OBe stars in our Milky Way as well as in the ongoing BLOeM survey (Shenar et al. 2024, A&A 690, 289). You will directly compare predictions such as the relative number of different types of companions to OBe stars, their period and eccentricity distributions to the observational findings of those objects derived in our group.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- You will compute new evolutionary predictions for massive binary systems, with a particular focus on OBe stars, and compare their predicted properties to modern observations, for example in the context of the BLOeM survey.
- You will collaborate with other faculty members, postdocs, and students in the Massive star research group as well as international collaborators (in particular as part of the BLOeM collaboration).
- You will have the opportunity to co-advise research projects of PhD, MSc and BSc students as an active member of the Massive Star research group.
- You will contribute to creating an open, safe and inclusive working environment.
Your profile
- A PhD in astronomy (or equivalent).
- A strong background in stellar astrophysics, especially in stellar-evolution modeling and population synthesis calculations.
- A committed researcher, demonstrated by previous research experiences, publications and presentations at international conferences.
- The ability and willingness to collaborate and work in a team.
- Excellent communication and writing skills in English.
Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months, and the possibility to be extended for another 12 months upon satisfactory performance. The preferred starting date is flexible, but the latest in Autumn 2026. The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €3,546 to €5,538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
Besides the salary and a vibrant and stimulating environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
- 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
- multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
- multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
- multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with200+ different courses;
- 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
- partly paid parental leave;
- the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
- a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
- the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
Where you will work
The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programs. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research, or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, from elementary particles to the birth of the universe to the functioning of the brain.
The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy (API) furthers research, teaching and public understanding of astronomy. It conducts astronomical research and trains astronomers from bachelor to postdoctoral level, aiming at world-leading levels and activities.
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. We accept applications until and including 16-1-2026.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact:
Applications should include the following information:
- A detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
- A list of publications, conference proceedings, and presentations;
- A letter of motivation (up to 2 pages);
- A research statement, which describes your research and scientific interests (up to 2 pages);
- Two letters of reference to be sent via email to j.bodensteiner@uva.nl
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines). Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.
The interviews will be held end of January 2026.
