Postdoctoral Positions in Astronomy at the Yunnan Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences

The group of binary population synthesis (BPS) led by Prof. Zhanwen Han at the Yunnan Observatories (YNAO), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Kunming, China is inviting applications for a number of postdoctoral positions. The areas of interest of the BPS group span a broad range of topics, including evolution of binary stars, hydrodynamics modelling of mass-transfer in binary stars, binary population synthesis, formation of peculiar stars (e.g., millisecond pulsars, X-ray binaries, novae, hot subdwarf stars, extremely low-mass white dwarf stars, blue stragglers), gravitational-wave producing double compact objects, progenitors of supernovae and their explosions, binary-star research based on the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopy Telescope (LAMOST), the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) and the upcoming China Space Station Telescope (CSST). 

Successful applicants are expected to conduct research that contributes to the following topics include, but are not limited to, observations of binary stars, binary evolution, binary population synthesis, and/or supernovae. 

Successful candidates will receive an annual salary of 250,000 RMB at minimum, up to around 300,000 RMB. All successful applicants are encouraged to apply for the research fund provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan province. 

Applicants of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. A Ph.D. degree in astronomy, physics or a related discipline is a prerequisite for commencing the position. The initial appointments are for two years with the possibility of extension after review based on progress and performance. The anticipated start date is in the second half of 2024. Candidates are expected to have completed their PhD by the start of the appointment.

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply by submitting a short cover letter, a CV containing a list of publications, a statement (1-3 pages) describing research experience and interests. Applicants should also arrange for at least three letters of reference. The application documents should be sent with the subject of “YNAO Postdoctoral Application--Your Name", and the reference letters should be sent with the subject of “YNAO Reference Letter--Your Name”. 

The positions remain open until filled, but for full consideration, all application documents are expected to arrive by June 30, 2024. Further inquiries and questions about the positions can be directed to Prof. Zhengwei Liu via email ([email protected]).