Two Postdoctoral Positions in Unveiling the Interaction Physics of Giant Binary Stars KU Leuven in United Kingdom

KU Leuven’s Institute of Astronomy is offering two postdoctoral positions within the ERC Advanced Grant project SOPHIA, led by Prof. Leen Decin. The project aims to deepen our understanding of how stars evolve by moving beyond simplified models and incorporating key physical processes such as mass loss, stellar winds, and binary interactions. Using cutting-edge observations, advanced modelling, and large datasets including Gaia DR4, SOPHIA addresses fundamental questions in stellar astrophysics and the late-stage evolution of stars and their impact on galaxies.

The successful candidates will join the research group of Prof. Leen Decin at KU Leuven in Belgium, a vibrant institute with expertise in stellar astrophysics, strong international collaborations, and access to parallel and supercomputing facilities. The institute is also active in the 2-year Master programme in Astronomy & Astrophysics and operates the 1.2m Mercator telescope at La Palma.

Two complementary postdoctoral projects are available. Position A focuses on stellar winds, mass loss, and radiative transfer modelling. The researcher will derive mass-loss rates and wind properties from molecular line observations, develop and extend the group’s POMME radiative transfer code toward full non-LTE implementation, investigate dust formation and wind-driving mechanisms, and analyse evolved stars to study how mass loss depends on stellar properties.

Position B focuses on binary star evolution with Gaia. The researcher will develop data-analysis methods to improve orbital and stellar parameters for evolved stars using Gaia DR4, address variability and observational biases, analyse large samples of evolved binary stars, and study the effects of mass transfer, tidal interactions, and angular momentum exchange on stellar evolution.

Applicants must hold a PhD in astrophysics or an equivalent diploma, and English proficiency is required. Position A is especially suited to candidates with experience or strong interest in radiative transfer, computational modelling, spectroscopy, and high-performance scientific coding. Position B is especially suited to candidates with a strong background in data-intensive astrophysics, statistics, large surveys such as Gaia, and stellar dynamics.

The appointment is a postdoctoral contract for 1(+1) years for Position A or 1.5(+1) years for Position B, with renewal for an additional year after positive evaluation. The salary will follow the standard Belgian postdoc scale and depend on experience after the PhD. The package includes several benefits such as holiday and end-of-year bonuses, holiday allowance, hospital insurance, public transport support, bicycle allowance, and access to sports and cultural facilities. The anticipated start date is between 1 September 2026 and 1 January 2027, with some flexibility by agreement.

Applications should include a CV with publication list, the names and email addresses of two reference persons on the last page, a one-page statement of interest, and a two-page summary of research experience. In the statement of interest, applicants must clearly indicate whether they apply for Position A and/or Position B. Questions about the positions may be addressed to Prof. Leen Decin or Dr. Clio Gielen.