Postdoc position in Theoretical Modelling of Bright and Fast Radio Transients

Offer Description

Are you interested in Fast Radio Transients? Then this Postdoctoral position is for you.

We are looking for a candidate to fill an open postdoctoral position in the group of Dr. Antonia Rowlinson, funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant “Quick Blitz”.

The project is fully funded for 36 months, with a planned start date as soon as possible. The goal of this project is to conduct theoretical modelling and interpretation of bright and fast radio transients, as detected by low frequency radio telescopes such as LOFAR (the LOw Frequency ARray). We are finding increasing numbers of radio transients with durations from seconds to minutes, such as the recently identified population of Long Period Radio Transients (LPTs).

Our group identified the first progenitor of one of these systems, a white dwarf and M dwarf binary system, though it remains unclear if this can explain the full population of LPTs. It also remains unclear what the emission mechanisms are for these radio transients. Given their brightness and short duration, the sources producing this emission are very likely coherent and/or highly relativistic.

This position aims to push forward our understanding of these mysterious sources by developing novel theoretical models of different progenitor systems, such as binary systems containing at least one compact source.

Through the Quick Blitz team, we will detect more fast and bright transients using imaging observations conducted by LOFAR
2.0, a significantly upgraded LOFAR. In addition to standard LOFAR
2.0 observations, the Quick Blitz team are building a new instrument for LOFAR
2.0, AARTFAAC
2.0, that can produce whole visible sky images every second to search for the most extreme and rarest radio transients. You will work closely with the observers in our team to model and interpret our discoveries.

• You will develop novel models of coherent radio outbursts that can be tested by observational data.
• You will use your theoretical expertise to model and interpret radio transients detected by the Quick Blitz team.
• You will conduct research, communicate results via peer‑reviewed publication and at conferences.
• You will be a proactive member of the research group and have the opportunity to co‑advise projects of MSc and BSc students.
• You will contribute to creating an open, safe and inclusive working environment.

• A PhD in physics, astronomy or a related field completed upon your arrival.
• A committed researcher, demonstrated by previous research experience, publications and presentations at international conferences.
• Experience in theoretical modelling of coherent emission mechanisms.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

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 24 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 Researcher 4 are applicable. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

• 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 with 100+ 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;

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programs. At…