PhD position in asteroidal science at Astronomic​al Observator​y of Belgrade

As part of the Marie Curie Initial Training Network, STARDUST, the Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade, in collaboration with the Department of Astronomy (University of Belgrade), offers a fully funded PhD (ESR) position in asteroidal science.
This PhD project aims to better understand the transport of asteroids from the Main belt to the region of the terrestrial planets, by taking advantage of the recent availability of new data that provides a new opportunity to connect many specific NEAs with their origins. The focus will be on the contribution of different asteroid families to each of the sub-populations of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs).

A successful candidate will work under the supervision of Bojan Novaković and Zoran Knežević.
Job Requirements: All qualified candidates irrespective of gender or nationality are welcome to apply as long as the following conditions have been fulfilled:
• A successful candidate must hold (or expect to obtain) a Masters degree in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science or related fields.
• A successful candidate should have good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Applicants should be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers, including the period of research training, starting at the date of obtaining the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate.
• Applicants should not have resided or performed their main activity in Serbia for more than 12 months in the 3 year period immediately prior to the start date.
• Knowledge of computer programming (Fortran, C, Python, MATLAB) and/or numerical modeling would be an important advantage

Benefits: The ESR fellow will be employed according to the regulations of the Marie Curie Initial Network and the employment conditions of the Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade. The fellow is supposed to complete his/her PhD thesis by the end of the 3rd year of his/her employment.
Salary: approximately 1500 Euros/month
Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes
Scholarship Application Deadline: 30 April 2013
Starting date: October, 2013

How to apply: Interested candidates should send a curriculum vitae (CV), and a cover letter explaining their motivation and research interests. In addition, two letters of references must be sent on your behalf directly from your referees. All documents should be sent to Dr. Bojan Novaković, preferably by e-mail (bojan@matf.bg.ac.rs), or by mail to the address:

Department of Astronomy Faculty of Mathematics Studentski trg 16 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Contact information: For more information, contact Dr. Bojan Novaković (bojan@matf.bg.ac.rs)