Thank you for your interest in pursuing a PhD position at Leiden Observatory. Applications are accepted only through our online application site which is now open for the next round. Follow this link for more information. The deadline for applications and all letters of recommendation is November 15, 2023.
Leiden Observatory ("Sterrewacht Leiden"), founded in 1633, is the oldest university astronomy department in the world with a distinguished history. The work of famous astronomers such as De Sitter, Hertzsprung, Oort, Blaauw, and Van de Hulst made Leiden an internationally renowned center of astronomical research.
We are therefore pleased to announce a general call for several PhD positions with an application deadline of November 15, 2023. Positions are available in all the research areas in which the Observatory is active. This includes cosmology, galaxy formation and evolution, interstellar matter and star formation, stars and planetary systems, computational astrophysics, high energy astrophysics, laboratory astrophysics, astrochemistry, and instrumentation. The starting dates are negotiable.
PhD students from Leiden succeed exceptionally well on the international job market. One of the most prestigious fellowships in world astronomy is NASA's Hubble fellowship. More astronomers with a doctoral degree from Leiden have won Hubble fellowships than from any other university outside the USA. Many of the faculty members, PhD students, and undergraduates have an international background. English is the common language.
Some examples of possible PhD projects
PhD program at Leiden Observatory
Research carried out at Leiden Observatory
A century of Leiden PhD graduates
In addition, Leiden University also maintains a site with practical information about studying in the Netherlands as well as a general page with information on obtaining a PhD.
Graduate Students are members of the graduate school of science.