Leiden Observatory invites applications for approximately ten new PhD
positions.

The four-year PhD program consists mostly of research under the
supervision of one or more faculty members. Positions are available in all
the research areas in which the Observatory is active. These include
cosmology, galaxy formation and evolution, interstellar matter and star
formation, stars and planetary systems, computational astrophysics, high
energy astrophysics, laboratory astrophysics, astrochemistry, and
instrumentation. More information about research at Leiden Observatory can
be found at http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/research/

Leiden Observatory, founded in 1633, is the oldest university astronomy
department in the world. With about 25 faculty, over 50 postdoctoral
associates and about 80 PhD students it is the largest astronomy
department in the Netherlands. Leiden is a charming university town with
an international flair. Most Leiden researchers have an international
background. English is the common language.

During their thesis, Leiden PhD students are paid as civil servants, which
means that they earn competitive salaries (the current annual gross
salary, including allowances, increases from about EUR 28,000 in year 1 to
about EUR 36,000 in year 4) and are eligible for both social security and
retirement benefits. PhD positions are funded for four years.

Application forms and instructions are available at
http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/phd/
Applicants are requested to upload a curriculum vitae, a list of all
university courses taken and transcripts of grades obtained, brief
statements of research interests and experience, and the contact
information for at least two referees.

The successful candidates must have a MSc degree (or equivalent) by the
starting date. The starting dates are negotiable.

Complete applications received by December 1, 2016 will receive full
consideration.

The positions are open to candidates from all countries. The research will
be carried out in the framework of the Netherlands Research School for
Astronomy (NOVA). More information about the PhD program at Leiden
Observatory can be found at http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/phd/

Included Benefits:
Leiden University offers comprehensive benefits including paid vacation,
sick leave, disability insurance, maternity and parental leave, and
retirement benefits. Health care insurance amounts to approx. 100
euro/month/person (children are free).