Program Overview

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Introduction to the PhD Program at the Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy

The PhD program at the Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy offers research experience and training in a wide range of research topics, including:

• star and planet formation and evolution
• exoplanet atmospheres
• black holes, neutron stars
• astrophysical explosions
• and other transients

Salary and Benefits

PhD researchers are initially hired for 18 months, with two assessments taking place during this time. A positive evaluation will result in the appointment being extended for 2.5 years, totalling a 4-year time period. Salaries range from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month, based on year/experience, plus an additional 16.3% in vacation allowance. Benefits include:

• paid vacation
• sick leave
• disability insurance
• maternity and parental leave
• pension contribution

PhD Research Work

PhD level research is carried out under the supervision of two staff members (one advisor, one co-advisor – possibly from another research institute). PhD researchers also contribute a small amount of teaching and participate in various outreach activities. At the end of the 4 years, researchers must defend a written thesis (usually with science chapters corresponding to research papers they have written), to obtain the title of Doctor.

A Welcoming Environment

The institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, neurotype, or disability status. The institute values diversity, with:

• more than 70% of PhD researchers coming from outside the Netherlands
• nearly half of current PhD researchers being female
• more than ⅓ of total staff being female

Internal Representation

The PhD/postdoc council listens to and represents the interests of all non-tenured researchers. Representatives on the council participate in monthly API staff meetings and meet regularly with the director.

Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (EDIC) provides awareness, resources, and advice on diversity-related topics. The institute also has a well-defined system for creating awareness and prevention of undesirable behavior, and various possible points of contact in case of possible issues.

Leisure Time

The social committee works hard to ensure that the institute manages to relax as well, with activities such as Friday borrels, yearly outings, game or movie nights, and seasonal parties.

Funding

PhD positions at the API are funded by research grants applied for and awarded to staff. Researchers will be considered for specific PhD positions which are funded and offered by research groups. It is not possible to join the PhD program and decide on a research topic later.

Availability of PhD Topics

While not all research areas may be available at all times, the institute is very successful at obtaining funding, so topics in most research areas will be available in any given year. An up-to-date list of available PhD topics can be found on the PhD Research topics page.