PhD Position: On the relation between the shape of dark matter halos and
their formation history

 A 4-year graduate studentship is available at the Kapteyn Institute
for a PhD project supervised by Prof. Dr. Amina Helmi and Dr. Laura Sales.

 In the current cosmological paradigm, galaxies are surrounded by dark
matter halos. These dark halos are built hierarchically, from the
mergers of smaller systems. The goal of this project is to establish
how their internal shape and structure is linked to this complex
evolutionary history. The project involves the analysis of the highest
resolution N-body simulations of a Milky Way-sized halo nowadays
available, carried out in collaboration with the Virgo Consortium.

 Motivated students with a strong interest on theoretical and
numerical models of structure formation are particularly encouraged to
apply.  The position is open to students of all nationalities with the
equivalent of a Masters degree in Physics or Astronomy. Affinity with 
theoretical work is an asset as well as some programming experience 
(in C, fortran or idl). The starting date will be in the fall of 2008 
or early 2009. The application should include a curriculum vitae with 
a list of grades, two reference letters, and a short summary of research 
interests and experience.  These should arrive via email, FAX, or 
regular post preferably no later than 15 August 2008 addressed to:

Prof. Dr. Amina Helmi
Kapteyn Institute
P.O. Box 800
9700 AV Groningen
The Netherlands

Tel: +31-50-3634045/4073
FAX:+31-50-3636100

e-mail: ahelmi@astro.rug.nl