The University of Milano-Bicocca is one of the top universities in Italy and it is located in the modern and international city of Milan. Below you can find more information on how to study with us (Master and PhD courses in English) and on job opportunities to work within our group.
The following video, prepared by the University of Milano-Bicocca, shows a journey to discover the campus between laboratories, research activities, outreach, spaces dedicated to sport, technology, innovation and sustainability.
Master
We offer an international Master Course in Astrophysics and Space Physics. The master lasts for two years and all lectures are held in English. The last 8 months are dedicated to working on an original research project leading to a master thesis to be defended in front of a committee. Information on how to get admitted can be found here.
PhD
Every summer a number of PhD fellowships is offered for enrolling in the PhD in Physics and Astronomy (starting on November 1st of each year). The call is published in May on the Doctoral School web page. The selection is based on the candidate CV and on an interview. The interviews are typically held in June.
The deadline for applications for the next academic year is 20 May 2022. Information on how to apply can be found here.
Job Opportunities
Two research positions in new methods for science education applied to astrophysics
The University of Milan-Bicocca in Italy invites expressions of interest in two research positions of 3 years each, aimed at developing new methods for science education in universities, schools, and for the general public. The subject emphasis will be astrophysics.
Researchers engaged in this project will join a wider initiative across multiple departments in the Milano-Bicocca University and other universities and industries in the Milan area. One of the main aims of the project is to develop new, effective, and engaging actions to improve learning outcomes and raise the interest in scientific disciplines across both the student population and the general public. Specifically, our group is leading the development of both active learning modules for students and interactive citizen scientist projects, with a subject emphasis in observational astrophysics and space science, also leveraging access to a soon-to-be-commissioned 40cm optical telescope on campus and collaborations with leading aerospace industries.
By joining this programme, researchers of any scientific background (with a preference for master degrees or PhD in physics or astrophysics) will have a unique opportunity to develop novel skills in forefront teaching methods, in line with the European policy for education and training. The astrophysics group at Milan-Bicocca provides a vibrant environment with expertise covering all aspects of observational techniques and instrument development. Close interactions with the department of education and participation in our international master degree in astrophysics and space science will provide the perfect environment to develop highly effective and innovative ways to teach and communicate science. This is an ideal opportunity for early-career researchers wishing to transition to the education industry or to strengthen their academic profile and teaching portfolio.
To express interest, please complete the questionnaire at this link https://forms.gle/a9Hzk16DWaY9UHiZA. Expressions of interest will be reviewed periodically. We expect to start the formal recruitment process in accordance with university regulations from september 2022, so interested candidates are encouraged to fill in the form as soon as possible.
We strive to build a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome expressions of interest from everyone irrespective of gender, ethnic group, or nationality.
For inquiries please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Michele Fumagalli (michele.fumagalli@unimib.it), Prof. Mario Zannoni (mario.zannoni@unimib.it), or Dr. Matteo Fossati (matteo.fossati@unimib.it).
Long-term research appointment in computational astrophysics
The University of Milan-Bicocca (Italy) invites expressions of interest for a 3+2 year research position in HPC applications to astrophysics.
The astrophysics group at Milan-Bicocca provides a vibrant environment with expertise covering all aspects of gravitational-wave astronomy, relativistic astrophysics, galactic dynamics, and numerical relativity. This is embedded in a wider astronomical context including both observational and experimental activities. Our group has tight connections with the LISA Consortium, the Virgo Collaboration, the Einstein Telescope Science Board, the European Pulsar Timing Array, and the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) via the TEONGRAV national initiative. Staff members with matching interests include Colpi, Dotti, Gerosa, Giacomazzo, Lupi, and Sesana.
Milan is a beautiful, international city in the north of Italy. Mountains and lakes are just around the corner. Art, culture, and food are outstanding. The city hosts three international airports with worldwide connections.
This recruitment campaign is part of a wider national initiative supporting HPC-related computational activities throughout the country. This is a major investment program directly supported by the European Union. It will provide the most ideal context for ambitious candidates wishing to develop and apply state-of-the-art computational and machine-learning tools to current astrophysical and gravitational-wave modeling issues.
The researcher will be appointed at the so-called “RTDA” level for 3 years. The contract can also be extended for 2 more years depending on funding availability. The starting date is negotiable, with the earliest and latest dates on January 1st, 2023 and May 1st, 2023, respectively.
RTDA researchers are full time university employees (with full benefits, such as health insurance and pension plan), have limited teaching duties and they are eligible to fully supervise research MSc student projects.
This is an ideal setup for early-career researchers wishing to transition toward research independence and start developing their own group.
The successful candidate will have a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, Computer Science, or related discipline, strong programming skills, and previous experience in one or more of the following topics: HPC workflows, GPU software development, computational astrophysics, gravitational-wave astronomy, numerical relativity, statistical data analysis, machine learning.
Applications should include a CV with a list of publications and a two-page statement covering research interests and plans. These should be sent to bruno.giacomazzo@unimib.it by June 15th, 2022 for full consideration. Candidates should also arrange for two reference letters to be sent to bruno.giacomazzo@unimib.it by June 15th, 2022.
We strive to build a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome expressions of interest from traditionally underrepresented groups. Women are especially encouraged to apply.
For inquiries please do not hesitate to contact Bruno Giacomazzo (bruno.giacomazzo@unimib.it) or Davide Gerosa (davide.gerosa@unimib.it).
Other Opportunities
We are available to host fellowship holders of national and European calls, such as:
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship (for post-doc positions)
- Rita Levi di Montalcini (for tenure-track positions)
We also remark that holders of ERC grants may also get a position as associate (for starting grants) or full professor (for consolidator and advanced grants) in our group. The overheads in the budget are typically almost completely returned to the PI as the university of Milano-Bicocca retains only a small fraction of them. The typical cost for hiring a 2-year postdoc is approximately 80 k EUR and 60 k EUR for a 3-year PhD student.