The Lively Stars group (https://lively-stars.uni-graz.at/en/), led by Prof. Alexander Shapiro at the Institute of Physics, University of Graz, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position within the ERC Synergy Grant “REVEAL – REVEALing Signatures of Habitable Worlds Hidden by Stellar Activity.”
The successful candidate will work under the guidance of Dr Veronika Witzke, contributing to our understanding of stellar variability and magnetic activity using cutting-edge numerical simulations and radiative-transfer modelling.
Current scope of projects includes:
* Developing models of solar/stellar variability
* Analyzing large datasets from 3D MHD simulations (MURaM) and radiative-transfer calculations (MPS-ATLAS)
* Processing observed stellar spectra and studying their variability
* Applying machine-learning tools to accelerate solar/stellar modelling
Requirements:
* MSc (or equivalent) in Astrophysics, Physics, or Computational Science
* Experience in one or more of the following: radiative transfer, magnetohydrodynamics(MHD), data analysis, high-performance computing (HPC), or programming (Python/Fortran)
* High intrinsic motivation to learn and develop new analysis techniques
* Very good English skills, with the ability to work in an international research environment and to write scientific papers
* Desirable: Prior exposure to MHD simulations and/or spectral line analysis and/or machine-learning tools
The University of Graz is committed to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, background, or career path.
Application
Applications should include:
* A motivation letter describing past achievements and suitability for the project
* A CV
* Contact details of two referees
* Academic transcripts and a list of relevant courses, workshops, or lectures
Applications will be reviewed starting 20 January 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
For questions, please contact
Dr Veronika Witzke ([email protected]) or Prof. Alexander Shapiro ([email protected]).