Postdoctoral Position in extreme adaptive optics for the Extremely Large Telescopes

We invite applications for a postdoctoral research associate in high-contrast imaging at the Leiden Observatory Astronomical Instrumentation group. The group at Leiden Observatory is involved in many different high-contrast imaging instruments both on the ground such as VLT/SPHERE, ELT/METIS, ELT/PCS, Magellan/MagAO-X and GMT/GMagAO-X and for space such as HWO. The applicant will work together with Dr. Sebastiaan Haffert on the development of eXtreme Adaptive Optics (XAO) for the Extremely Large Telescopes - specifically for the GMT’s GMagAO-X instrument and the ELT’s Planetary Camera and Spectrograph (PCS) instrument. This will include the development of new control algorithms, end-to-end XAO modelling and on-sky demonstration of new technology at current ground-based telescopes. We are searching for applicants with expertise in adaptive optics or high-contrast imaging instrument design. Applicants should demonstrate a proven research track record.

We will start reviewing applications on December 15 but we welcome new applications until the position is filled. A complete application includes a cover letter, CV, publication list, and a 2-3 page statement of research experience and interests. Candidates should arrange for three reference letters. Referees can only submit their letters after receipt of an email by the submission system. This is initiated by the applicant. The applicant should register early and start this process.

Further Requirements:
• The successful candidate is expected to have a PhD in Astrophysics, Physics, Optics or a related scientific field by the starting date.
• She/He/They should be fluent in English; Dutch is not a requirement.
• She/He/They will be expected to support and co-supervise MSc or Bachelor students.

The position consists of an initial appointment of 2 years plus an extension of up to 2 years that is contingent on satisfactory performance. Starting date is negotiable but preferably mid 2026.

Leiden Observatory is a lively world-class university astronomy department that covers a wide range of science. We are the largest astronomy department in the Netherlands, with about 35 faculty and adjunct faculty, 40 postdoctoral researchers, 30 support staff, 70 PhD students and 100 MSc students. Leiden itself, is a charming university town with international flair with easy connections to other European countries. Leiden Observatory is dedicated to providing an inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment for everyone.

Included Benefits: Salary ranges from 4,241 to 5,538 Euros gross per month based on a full time employment (38 hours/week, pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus (8% and 8.3% of annual income, respectively), training and career development, paid vacation, sick leave, disability insurance, maternity and parental leave, and retirement benefits. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. Compulsory medical insurance is not included (on average 150 euro/month/adult). Click here for more information about working at Leiden University.