PhD Position

About a third of all massive stars are expected to lose their hydrogen-rich envelope through interaction with a binary star companion, leaving the hot and compact helium core exposed. These “stripped stars” should therefore be very common, and in fact their existence was predicted since over half a century. Yet, it took until 2023 before a first sample of stripped stars sufficiently massive to explode in supernovae to be discovered (Drout & Götberg et al., 2023, Science). The first detected sample of stripped stars has now opened many doors to scientific projects that previously were not accessible. We therefore seek to expand our research team to tackle these exciting, new challenges! 

The 2SStars team is looking for a PhD student ready to confront our long-standing theory with first observational data. Potential projects could include quantifying the ionizing radiation from stripped stars, measuring how magnetic massive star cores are, and help designing Galactic searches for stripped stars. The work tasks could include, for example, modeling of spectra, binary evolution, or stellar populations, and analysis of existing and new observational data. 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and respectful research environment. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and identities, and particularly encourage individuals from underrepresented or historically marginalized groups in astronomy to apply. 

Application procedure

Please apply through the ISTA graduate school application portal: https://phd.pages.ista.ac.at/phd-application-admission/  

For inquiries regarding the open PhD position, please contact Ylva Götberg directly via email (ylva.gotberg@ista.ac.at).