Full-time academic position - Faculty of sciences - Field: extreme density astrophysics and multi-messenger astronomy

Academic Positions; Belgique; On-site; EUR 64,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension potential

Relocation support

Meal vouchers

Transport refunds

Relocation allowance €2,500

Teaching training

Development courses

Welcome seminar

Travel by bicycle allowance

Job summary

University of Liège is inviting applications for a full-time, fixed-term academic position in Extreme Density Astrophysics and Multi-Messenger Astronomy within the Department of Astrophysics, Geophysics and Oceanography. The role combines teaching and research with community service.

The successful candidate will supervise Master’s and doctoral projects, develop English-taught courses, collaborate with the STAR Research Unit, and contribute to international research networks at ULiège.

Qualifications

• Hold a doctorate in Sciences, preferably in astrophysics, by the time of application submission.
• Demonstrate experience in international research and publications.
• Show international connections through a postdoctoral contract abroad or equivalent.
• Demonstrate willingness to integrate into the STAR Research Unit.
• Demonstrate excellent teaching ability, including mentoring Master’s and doctoral students.
• Be able to teach fluently in English within three years.

Responsibilities

• Teach and conduct research in Extreme Density Astrophysics and Multi‑Messenger Astronomy.
• Supervise Master’s and doctoral student projects and dissertations.
• Collaborate with the STAR Research Unit and other groups at ULiège.
• Contribute to English-taught courses and curriculum development.
• Engage in services to the department and university community.

Skills

Teaching ability

Fluent English

International research

Doctorate holder

Education

PhD in Sciences (Astrophysics)

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Liège (ULiège) Research Field Astronomy » Astrophysics Astronomy » Cosmology Astronomy » Other Physics » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 9 Jan 2027 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

JOBREFERENCE:
PA270302

START DATE: 01/09/2027

The University of Liège is the largest French-speaking public university in Belgium. It employs more than 5,700 staff members across four campuses, including 3,600 active teachers and researchers in all fields of the human and social sciences, science and technology, and health sciences. It hosts nearly 27,000 students of 123 different nationalities in one of the most multicultural and dynamic cities in Europe, less than an hour from Brussels and Cologne, two hours from Paris, and three hours from London and Amsterdam.

Actively involved in the social and environmental transition, ULiège supports students to fulfil their roles as responsible citizens (training in sustainable development, Green Office, etc.) and promotes ethical, multidisciplinary and open research. ULiège is committed to the region in which it operates and contributes towards local socio-economic development. It has developed numerous partnerships, notably with the university hospital. International and united, it participates in the European University of Post-Industrial Cities, UNIC initiative and has one of the most extensive collaborative networks in the world.

ULiège offers attractive career prospects in a high-quality working environment, promoting well-being, diversity and equality of opportunity. Since 2011, ULiège has been proud to display the European Human resources strategy for researchers (HRS4R) label, which reflects its commitment to open, transparent and merit-based procedures. In addition, it recognises the quality and diversity of research in line with the recommendations of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). ULiège encourages its academic staff to travel internationally and welcomes international researchers through its EURAXESS centre.

JOB DESCRIPTION

A full-time, indivisible academic position in the field of “Extreme Density Astrophysics and Multi-Messenger Astronomy” within the Department of Astrophysics, Geophysics and Oceanography. This position includes teaching and research activities as well as services to the community.

TEACHING ACTIVITIES

For illustrative purposes, the provisional course list for this position is as follows : Basic course load:

• PHYS0941-2 Theoretical physics: nuclei and particles (30 hours Theory)
  • Master in Physical Sciences, research focus (4 credits)
  • Master in Physical Sciences, research focus on medical Radiophysics (4 credits)
  • Master in Teaching section 4: physics (5 credits)
• SPAT0021-1 – Introduction to astroparticles (30 hours Theory)
  • Master in Space Sciences, research focus (3 credits)
  • Master in Space Sciences, professional focus (3 credits)
• Compact objects in astrophysics (30 hours Theory)
  • Master in Space Sciences, research focus
  • Master in Space Sciences, professional focus

Courses to be confirmed depending on the successful applicant:

• SPAT0160-? Astroparticles (20h Theory)
  • Master in Space Sciences, research focus
  • Master in Space Sciences, professional focus
• SPAT0162-? Quantum field theory (30h Theory)
  • Master in Space Sciences, research focus
  • Master in Space Sciences, professional focus
• Advanced notions of general relativity (30 hours Theory)
  • Master in Space Sciences, research focus
  • Master in Space Sciences, professional focus
• Course chosen according to proposals from the successful applicant (30 hours Theory)
  • Master in Space Sciences, research focus
  • Master in Space Sciences, professional focus

Total course load: (not including thematic optional course to be confirmed)

• Astroparticles Option + Quantum Field Theory: 140 hours (+ 30 hours)
• General Relativity Option: 120 hours (+ 30 hours)

The new recruit is expected to supervise student projects and dissertations. In order to make the most of the expertise of the successful applicant and to enable relevant students to integrate their future research programmes into their dissertations and doctoral work, we recommend that applicants propose an original course that would fit coherently within the Master in Space Sciences programme.

Courses are expected to be given in English, or may be given in English in the future.

Courses may change over time to reflect changes in the course programme and teaching activities discussed within the Departmental Council (to which all academic staff in the Department belong).

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

The objective of this post is to develop the theoretical aspects of the study of compact objects, with a grounding in multi‑messenger astronomy.

The successful applicant shall collaborate with at least one or two STAR Research Unit groups. This position shall supplement the expertise already available within the STAR Research Unit, while promoting cross-cutting collaboration with a view to more readily participating in ambitious international projects.

Because multi-messenger astrophysics is a young discipline resulting from the combination of several aspects of physics to study the densest objects in the university, it can be approached from various angles. The Committee therefore expects applicants to have a variety of professional experiences, without necessarily being an expert in all aspects of multi-messenger astrophysics (gravitational waves, astroparticles, etc.).

SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY

The successful applicant shall join the Department of Astrophysics, Geophysics and Oceanography and shall participate in the various activities and missions of this Department, the chosen Research Unit and the Faculty.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED / PROFILE

• Hold a doctorate in Sciences, preferably in the field of astrophysics or a related area, at the time of submission of the application.
• Demonstrate experience of research and international publications in a field related to the expected research activities.
• Show that they belong to the international scientific community through, for example, a single postdoctoral research contract lasting at least six months in a laboratory other than the laboratory of origin (preferably abroad), or international experience deemed equivalent.
• Demonstrate a willingness to integrate and strengthen the STAR Research Unit.
• Propose ways of integrating into the research fields within the Faculty, the University and internationally.
• Demonstrate excellent teaching ability, both in class teaching and in mentoring Master’s and doctoral
• students.
• Be able to teach fluently in English, at least within a three-year period.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The selection procedure complies with the regulations applicable within the University of Liège.

Following an examination of the eligibility of applications and a preliminary evaluation of them, candidates shortlisted by the Faculty Committee shall be invited to an interview, the format of which shall be communicated to them.

The procedure consists of several successive steps and the intervention of various consultative bodies before the Board of Directors reaches its final decision. Several months may pass between submission of the application and the end of the procedure. Applicants shall be officially informed of the result of their applications at the end of the procedure.

Our institutional policy is based on diversity and equal opportunity. We select candidates based on their qualities and regardless of their age, sexual orientation, origin, beliefs, disability or nationality.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to submit their complete application file electronically, containing all the documents required, to the following address: [e-mail] with a copy to Ms. Ninfa GRECO - [e-mail] . To be eligible, applications must be submitted no later than 9 January 2027 at 11:59 pm. (Belgian time)

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

All the following documents must be submitted by email, in PDF format. If your application is too large, you may send a link. This link must remain accessible for at least one week after the closing date for applications.

• Copies of diplomas and certificates.
• Research appendix: a description of prior and ongoing research (two pages maximum) and a research plan, including how it is planned to integrate it within the University of Liège (two pages maximum).
• Teaching appendix: a description of teaching, educational or public awareness raising experience (two pages maximum) and a teaching plan (two pages maximum).
• Complete list of publications.*
• Other documents required: One copy (possibly through a link) and a summary of their five most representative publications.

*The format expected by the Faculty of Sciences for the CV and list of publications is set out HERE.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The position is awarded either for a fixed term of four years, or, in certain exceptional circumstances, immediately on a permanent basis.

If a fixed term contract is awarded, an evaluation will be carried out at the end of the third year.

• If the evaluation is negative, the person’s appointment will end after the fourth year.
• If the evaluation is positive, the person will be appointed permanently.

INFORMATION

Further information regarding the nature of the duties may be obtained from the Vice-Chair of the Department of Astrophysics, Geophysics and Oceanography, Professor Michaël DE BECKER – tel.: [phone] – [e-mail]

Additional information may be obtained from: Ms. Ninfa GRECO, Administrative Director of the Faculty of Sciences – tel.: [phone] – [e-mail]

REMUNERATION

Basic appointments are made at the grade of lecturer.

The gross monthly salary at the start of the scale (on a full-time basis) is currently €6,314.51 (reference index: September 2026), to which is added an end of year allowance (in December) and a holiday allowance (in June).

In exception circumstances, the Faculty may submit a substantiated application to obtain a higher grade in the salary scale (length‑of‑service bonus).

The career of full-time teaching staff includes the grades of lecturer, professor, and full professor. Career development (after the recruitment grade) is possible through the promotions’ procedure, the terms and conditions of which are defined by the Board of Directors.

Please contact the Human Resources department for further information on careers, salary scales, and the terms and conditions of their application: Ms Valérie Melotte – [e-mail]

BENEFITS

• “Statutory” position which can lead to a public sector pension if the appointment is permanent.
• Financial contribution to private relocation expenses.
• Possibility of assistance with access to the labour market for partners.
• University of Liège professional relocation allowance of €2,500 for a full‑time position.
• Initial and ongoing teaching training provided by the Institut de Formation et de Recherche en Enseignement (IFRES).
• Wide range of training courses available.
• Welcome seminar and introduction to the bodies and operations of the Université of Liège (two‑and‑a‑half days in September).
• Meal vouchers with a face value of €5 per working day.
• Full refund of public transport costs between the home and the workplace.
• Flat‑rate payment for travel by bicycle.
• Call for proposals for the allocation of teaching and research credits.
• Help with setting up research projects.
• Preferential rate for registration for a ULiège course, also applicable to children.
• Possibility of preferential conditions for taking out private insurance.
• Preferential rates and reductions in a wide range of fields - shops, leisure, culture, training, sport, etc. (Benefits at Work).