Kapteyn Astronomical Institute
As a cornerstone of astronomy research in the Netherlands, the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute -- working in close synergy with the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON) and the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) -- is recognised internationally for driving breakthrough discoveries and enabling next-generation research infrastructure.
With approximately 20 faculty members and more than 100 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, our research cover across a wide range of fields -- from cosmology and galaxy evolution to stellar astrophysics, exoplanets, and advanced instrumentation and computational science. Additionally, Kapteyn is a core member of the Netherlands Research School for Astronomy (NOVA), a powerful national top-research alliance that integrates the Dutch leading astronomical institutes of Amsterdam, Groningen, Leiden, and Nijmegen.
Groningen, Netherlands
At the northern heart of the Netherlands lies Groningen, a centuries-old university city that exemplifies how the right environment can foster academic excellence. The University of Groningen is renowned for its extensive English-taught STEM programmes, making it one of the most international universities in the Netherlands and a major contributor to the city's vibrant global character. As a result, Groningen is a place where the university and the wider community are deeply intertwined. With With more than 50,000 students in a city of approximately 230,000 residents, it has the highest student density in the Netherlands, infusing its historic, canal-lined streets with youthful energy, progressive thinking, and a distinctly international atmosphere.
Despite its location in the far north, Groningen is remarkably well connected. Frequent rail services provide easy access to Amsterdam and other major Dutch cities, while direct links to neighbouring Germany make both domestic and international travel convenient and efficient. Yet Groningen retains the advantages of a compact and highly liveable city, offering a more relaxed pace of life than many larger urban centres. Moreover, the city consistently ranks among the top ten in Europe for overall resident satisfaction, offering an exceptional quality of life and safety at a cost of living far more manageable and affordable than that of many major Western European cities. Together, these qualities make Groningen an outstanding destination for students, researchers, and professionals seeking both academic opportunity and an exceptional living environment.
Postdoc Position
We support applications to external fellowships, including NWO Rubicon, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, and NOVA fellowships. If you are interested in developing a proposal together, please get in touch well in advance of deadlines.
Informal enquiries are welcome — please send a brief description of your research interests and a CV to t.cheng@rug.nl.
PhD Position / Scholarship
In the Dutch academic system, a PhD programme typically has a duration of four years; accordingly, funding is required to cover this full period. Funded PhD positions are advertised on the Kapteyn vacancies webpage. Opportunities become available on an irregular basis and depend on the availability of research funding.
In addition to these funded positions, PhD projects can be supported through scholarships or fellowship programmes offered by international institutions, grant agencies, the University of Groningen, or national ministries of education and research. The following websites may be helpful in identifying funding and scholarship opportunities for prospective PhD students. If you come across a funding opportunity that may support a PhD project and are interested in joining our group, please get in touch to discuss potential research directions and application process.
- RuG Grantfinder: This website helps prospective students explore scholarship opportunities across a wide range of degree programmes, including funding schemes offered by the Dutch government, the European Union, and various national and international organisations.
- Collaboration with Latin America: The RuG maintains long-standing collaborations and strategic partnerships with Latin America. If you require support or further information, please consult the contacts listed on the website.
- ANID Becas Chile Scholarship: Chilean nationals may be eligible to undertake their full PhD studies abroad with support from the Becas Chile scholarship programme, funded and administered by the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) of Chile.
- China CSC Scholarship: Chinese nationals who graduated from a Chinese or international university with a Master degree, or you are about to graduate with a Master degree can consider funding from the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) to pursue their full PhD study at the University of Groningen.
- Taiwan MOE Scholarship: The Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarship Portal is Taiwan’s official platform for government-funded overseas study support, including PhD funding opportunities. It provides Taiwanese nationals access to major doctoral scholarships such as the MOE Study Abroad Scholarship and joint programs with top international universities.
Employment Conditions
PhD candidates are employed under the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities and receive a full salary throughout their four-year appointment. They are also offered comprehensive employment conditions, including coverage under the Dutch social security system, as well as eligibility for pension benefits and holiday entitlements. Further details on employment conditions at the University of Groningen can be found on https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/work-with-us.
BSc & MSc Students at Kapteyn / RuG
The Galaxy Informatics Group welcomes BSc and MSc students at the Kapteyn Institute and the University of Groningen who are interested in conducting research and thesis projects in data-driven astrophysics, including modern ML/AI methods applied to galaxies. In the Research section, you can find an overview of the group’s main research topics. Currently active projects can be viewed on the Kapteyn Intranet.
We are always interested in new interdisciplinary ideas and creative applications of ML/AI techniques in astrophysics. If you would like to discuss a potential project, pursue a research or thesis project with the group, or learn more about available opportunities, please feel free to contact the group leader.
External MSc students
We welcome collaborations with researchers and students from other universities. Students enrolled at European institutions may be eligible to undertake research visits through the Erasmus+ programme. If you are interested in establishing a collaboration with our group, please get in touch.
