Do you want to explore how stellar activity shapes the spectra of other stars and impacts the search for habitable worlds?
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 stellar variability
Analysing 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 stellar modelling
The PhD candidate will have the opportunity to:
Collaborate with international partners within and beyond the REVEAL consortium
Optionally participate in outreach activities and the supervision of Bachelor’s students (no formal teaching required)
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
Personal qualities: independence, teamwork, and interdisciplinary thinking
We offer
A 3-year fully funded position, with the possibility of a 6-month extension
Employment under the University of Graz pay grade; additional performance-based bonuses may be awarded in the final year
Access to high-performance computing facilities and state-of-the-art 3D simulation codes
A supportive, international, and interdisciplinary research environment with close collaboration within the ERC REVEAL network
Opportunities to attend schools and workshops relevant to the project
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 (veronika.witzke@uni-graz.at) or
Prof. Alexander Shapiro (alexander.shapiro@uni-graz.at)