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| PhD position in extragalactic radio astronomy | Closing date: 2021-05-15
Contact: Francesco de Gasperin |
| We are offering a 3-year PhD position at the University of Hamburg in observational extra-galactic astronomy. The student research will focus on active galactic nuclei, galaxy evolution and/or galaxy cluster science. Specifically, the student will work on low-frequency radio data from LOFAR. | | ▸ more | The student will be co-supervised by Prof. de Gasperin and Prof. Bruggen. The Observatory offers a diverse and rich research environment. Our teams have strong expertise in radio, X-ray and numerical modeling. The candidate will have privileged use of our own LOFAR station, state-of-the-art computing facilities and early access to large survey data from LOFAR, eRosita, 4MOST. The student will be part of the LOFAR collaboration, which includes hundreds of scientists across the European continent. The Hamburg Observatory is part of the Quantum Universe cluster of excellence, which will link the candidate with a large community of scientists. Funding for computing facility and travels to attend and present at domestic and international meetings will be available. The position comes with basic teaching duties. A master in astronomy, physics or equivalent is a requirement; good programming skills and knowledge of radio interferometry are important assets.
The application must include:
- a motivational letter (max 1 page)
- transcripts
- CV
- 2 letters of recommendation
Please send all documents via email to Prof. de Gasperin (fdg @ hs.uni-hamburg.de) by May 15th,, 2021. Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. The position is expected to begin as early as possible after July 1st, 2020.
More info: https://www.physik.uni-hamburg.de/en/hs/research/extragalactic-astrophysics.html
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| ALMA Regional Centre Astronomer | Closing date: 2021-05-10
Contact: Human Resources |
ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA and APEX), and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.
| | ▸ more | The ALMA Regional Centre (ARC) department at ESO provides the interface between the European ALMA Users Community and the ALMA observatory in Chile. Its mission is: To achieve, promote, and provide high-caliber support to the ALMA user community and to ALMA Observatory global operations, including coordinated delivery of software. To provide quality-assured, high-quality data products for PIs and archive users, within target time-windows. To facilitate ALMA science performed by expert and non-expert users alike via coordination of user support.
The ARC is looking for an astronomer with a strong and active research profile in radio or millimetre astronomy. The ARC Astronomer will contribute to core ARC duties, and in particular to those related to the quality assurance of ALMA data delivered to European PIs. The post holder should have a strong interest in maximizing ALMA?s science output through conducting expert user support and operations support tasks and contributing to the development of efficient processes and tools.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Play a key role in the ALMA quality assurance process in Europe by performing both manual and pipeline reduction of interferometric and single dish data, and oversee reprocessing efforts.
- Perform general ARC duties, including Helpdesk and Phase 2 support.
- Perform Astronomer-on-Duty shifts in Chile.
- Proactively propose improvements of existing processes and documentation, and suggest new methods to increase quality and efficiency of ARC services.
- Contribute to the development of training material for ALMA users.
- As an astronomer and member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty, you will be expected and encouraged to conduct a strong personal research programme and to participate actively in the scientific life of ESO and interact with other parts of the wider organisation.
- The tasks are not limited to the above and a flexible approach and willingness to adapt is required.
Reports to:
The post holder reports to the Head of the ALMA Regional Centre (ARC) Department. The ARC is a department of currently 13 people and is part of the ESO ALMA Support Centre (EASC) division.
Key Competences and Experience
Essential Competences and Experience:
- Several years of active astronomical research at least at postdoctoral level with a solid publication record
and continuing research activity in astronomy.
- Knowledge of astronomical radio/millimetre observing techniques and data analysis.
- Experience in the use of large observing facilities and an understanding of their operations concepts.
- Excellent cross-disciplinary communication skills both oral and written.
- Effective and committed team player with ability to build effective links across different teams.
- Pro-active approach to contribute ideas for improvement and future developments.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills;
- Flexibility in adapting to changes of requirements and priorities as well as of assignments;
- Open and friendly attitude to interact with a variety of users.
Desirable Competences and Experience:
- Familiarity with CASA.
- Knowledge of single-dish observing and data reduction as well as experience with array combination.
- Ability to and experience of working efficiently within an international and multi-cultural environment both independently and within a team.
Qualifications:
Essential educational level: Ph.D in Astronomy, Physics or equivalent.
Language Skills:
The position requires an excellent working knowledge of English.
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (tax free), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and the possibility to place your child/children in daycare.
ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#work-life-balance) between their professional and private life. ESO is also committed to offering family-friendly support (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#family-friendly-support), creating a work environment and policies which allow staff to balance their professional and private responsibilities through flexible working arrangements and financial support for families.
The contract is for a fixed term duration of three years, and is subject to successful completion of the probation period. There is a possibility of extension(s) subject to individual performance and organisational requirements as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. For any further information, please visit https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/. Please note that the contract policy and in particular the regulations concerning fixed-term and indefinite contracts are currently under review which may lead to changes in the contractual conditions applicable to this position.
Duty Station:
Garching near Munich, Germany with occasional duty trips to ESO/ALMA sites in Chile.
Application:
If you are interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org and https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/home/ for further details.
Applicants are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter, CV containing a publication list and a research statement. Also required are the names and contact details of three referees familiar with your work and willing to provide a reference letter. Referees will be automatically invited to submit their letter, however, applicants are strongly advised to trigger these invitations (using the web application form) well in advance of the application deadline.
Deadline for applications: 10 May 2021.
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| Exoplanets PhD positions in Geneva | Closing date: 2021-05-10
Contact: Prof. François Bouchy |
| The exoplanet team of the University of Geneva has an opening for two PhD positions to work on detection and characterization of exoplanets through high-precision radial velocity measurements. Focusing on the low-mass range of exoplanets and using the high-precision spectrographs CORALIE, HARPS, HARPS-N, ESPRESSO, and NIRPS, Geneva exoplanets team is strongly involved in blind radial-velocity surveys as well as in the follow-up of transiting candidates from NGTS, K2 and TESS photometric surveys. | | ▸ more | One PhD project, supervised by Prof. François Bouchy, is linked to the study of the properties of transiting planets with a specific focus on warm-transiting planets orbiting low-mass red dwarfs (M-type stars). The PhD student will be involved in the radial velocity follow-up, mass and density measurement of TESS and K2 transiting candidates using HARPS and the Near-InfraRed Planet Searcher (NIRPS), a new near-infrared spectrograph which will be soon installed on the 3.6m ESO telescope. The PhD assistant will be in charge to establish the performances of NIRPS, to select and to vet transiting candidates, to schedule NIRPS observations, to model and analyze the data, and to interpret planets properties.
The second PhD project, supervised by Prof. Stéphane Udry and Prof. Damien Ségransan, is linked to the blind search for exoplanets using the radial-velocity technique with both of CORALIE and NIRPS. First, the PhD assistant will work on the improvement of the detection capacities of the historical CORALIE planet search survey by implementing latest generation of data reduction tools developed in the context of HARPS and ESPRESSO. In addition to monitoring the progresses of the ongoing survey, the candoc will search for giant planets and brown dwarfs on a subsample of active stars for which the data analysis will be fine-tuned. Finally, the candidate will participate to the operations and exploitation of the NIRPS program, in particular to the RV blind search for low-mass planets orbiting M dwarfs.
The selected applicants are expected to work on: the optimization of the data-reduction, calibration and RV-extraction from both visible and near-infrared high-resolution spectrographs; the mitigation of the stellar activity; the combination of RV data with photometric, astrometric and direct imaging measurements, including dynamical developments for the characterization of multi-planetary systems. They will be strongly involved in the science exploitation of large programs and guarantee observing time of aforementioned spectrographs and in the development of specific tools for the Data and Analysis Center for Exoplanets (DACE) for validation and combined analysis of exoplanets.
The Department of Astronomy of the University of Geneva offers a modern and vibrant work environment, with a wide range of activities including theory, numerical simulations, observations and instrumental developments in the domains of exoplanets, stellar physics, galactic dynamics, observational cosmology and high-energy astrophysics. The exoplanet team is especially well renown, with strong involvement in planet detection, the determination of the planet physical properties, the characterization of planet atmospheres, and the development of an associated world-class instrumentation. We are also co-leading the Swiss-wide National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS, dedicated to the study of the origin, evolution, and characterization of planets inside and outside our Solar System. The applicant will also have the opportunity to develop collaborations with members of PlanetS.
The applicants are required to have a Master in Astrophysics. Proficiency in Python programming, signal processing and strong interest in data sciences and applied mathematics are considered as a plus. These four-year PhD positions are founded by Swiss National Science Foundation with a gross salary around 50,000 CHF a year. The positions are available 2021 July 1st. The University is actively seeking to increase the numbers of women in physics and hence women are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send (in a single pdf file) a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, a motivation letter including information on skills and previous experience, names of people who can be contacted for a letter of recommendation, and the contact details to Prof. François Bouchy and Prof. Stéphane Udry, at the Astronomy Department of Geneva University, before 10th May 2021.
Download/Website: http://www.exoplanets.ch/ http://nccr-planets.ch/
Contact: francois.bouchy @ unige.ch / stephane.udry @ unige.ch / damien.segransan @ unige.ch
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| Two postdoc positions in Astrophysics Division, Poland | Closing date: 2021-05-16
Contact: Katarzyna Ewa Malek |
The successful candidates will work with dr. hab. Katarzyna Malek and dr. Ambra Nanni either under the project ASTROdust or DINGLE.
In the framework of ASTROdust, the candidate is expected to work on statistical studies of the attenuation of dust in galaxies and its dependence on the types of galaxies in different space ages using a unique sample of 170 million galaxies observed in the infrared by the Herschel satellite.
In the framework of DINGLE, the candidate will model the evolution of dust in galaxies and its infrared emission to be compared with multi-wavelength observations. | | ▸ more | Two full-time postdoctoral positions at the National Centre for Nuclear Research in Poland within the framework of two projects: "ASTROdust: a complete census of dust attenuation in galaxies based on the analysis of millions of galaxies observed by Herschel? (National Science Centre, UMO-2018/30/E/ST9/00082) and ?DINGLE: Dust IN Galaxies: Looking through its Emission? (National Science Centre, UMO-2020/38/E/ST9/00077).
Location: Pasteura 7, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
The successful candidate will work in a young and active team, with a broad spectrum of expertize and interests in the area of extragalactic astrophysics, stellar evolution and observational cosmology. Possibility to join the projects in which our team is currently participating or which are conducted in the Division. The successful candidate can also co-supervise PhD students.
For ASTRODust we offer a contract for 24 months + 5 months of possible extension.
For we offer a contract for DINGLE: 24 months + 9 months of possible extension.
The details can be found in the following link: https://www.ncbj.gov.pl/en/praca/postdoc-bp4-2-positions
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| PhD position in the field of planet formation at LMU Munich | Closing date: 2021-04-30
Contact: Til Birnstiel |
| We are looking for a PhD Student (m/f/other) to work on theory/simulations & observational aspects of planet forming accretion disks. The goal is to understand the inner workings of circumstellar disks and the mechanisms involved in forming planets with a population synthesis study comparing against recent survey data. The PhD project is carried out together with an international team of astrophysicists from ESO, MPG, Heidelberg, and Tübingen. The position will be based at the University Observatory of the LMU Munich, Germany, in one of Europes leading physics departments. | | ▸ more | PhD position in planet formation
The Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich invites applications for a PhD position in the field of planet formation. The position is part of the DFG research unit FOR 2634/2 on transition disks. The project is hosted at the University Observatory of the LMU Munich and runs for 36 months. The project description can be found below.
Applicants should hold a MSc degree or equivalent in Astrophysics, Physics, or related fields at the time of starting the position. Experiences in aspects of planet formation, planet forming disks, celestial mechanics, numerical/computational astrophysics, scientific programming, protoplanetary disk observations, or data analysis are considered a strong asset.
The position is offered in the research group led by Professor Til Birnstiel. The group is funded by the DFG (via SPP1992, FOR 2634/2, and the Origins Cluster), by the LMU, and by the European Research Council (ERC). Supercomputing resources and funding for computing equipment and travel will be available. Salary and social benefits are based on the German scale for public employees (75% TV-L E13).
The group is stationed at the LMU within one of Europe's leading physics departments and embedded in the vibrant astrophysics environment in Munich consisting of MPE, MPA, LMU, ESO, and the ORIGINS cluster which together form one of the largest centers of astrophysical research in the world.
To apply, please send
- a cover letter (email text or PDF)
- a CV (PDF)
- a research statement (PDF describing the motivation to apply for the proposed PhD project and previous research experiences or other accomplishments, max. 2 pages)
via email to jobs2021 @ usm.lmu.de.
In addition, please arrange for 2-3 letters of recommendation to be sent directly from the referees to the same address. All email correspondence should contain the applicant's name in the subject.
Applications will start being reviewed on April 30 and will continue until an offer is accepted. The anticipated starting date is December 2021 or earlier.
Project Description
The Atacama Large Millimeter/Sub-Millimeter Array (ALMA) has provided a treasure trove of protoplanetary disk data, particularly in high-resolution dust-continuum, but also lower-resolution/large-sample size surveys. We aim to make use of these data by adapting our gas- and dust-disk evolution model twopoppy to treat the build-up, dissipation, and intermediate stage effects including disk winds, planetary gaps, and planetesimal formation. Equipped with such a tool we will (1) carry out disk population synthesis studies to learn which physical mechanisms or parameters (turbulence, particle properties, etc.) are needed to reproduce observational properties of large disk surveys (disk sizes, luminosities, spectral indices, mass distributions, accretion rates, etc.) and we will (2) physically model individual highly-resolved disks with Markov-Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) samplers to constrain their evolution processes, initial conditions, the planetary properties, and formation times. This project will be carried out in collaboration with P. Pinilla (MPIA), A. Miotello (ESO) G. Rosotti (U. Leiden). It will be a theoretical counterpart to an observational project supervised by A. Miotello.
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| WaterStars, from observation to experiments on water in space | Closing date: 2021-10-01
Contact: Fabrice Herpin |
| Understanding the excitation of water in evolved stars implies knowing the collision rates for pure rotational transitions within the first four excited vibrational states (v1=1, v2=1, 2 and v3=1) as well as the rotational transitions between the ground state and these excited states. The first objective is therefore to obtain these collision rates. The second is to include these in an advanced radiative transfer code to reproduce the ALMA observations (ATOMIUM consortium). | | ▸ more | Scientific subject: Water is the third most abundant molecule in the interstellar medium. It has been observed in various objects, but it is only in the extended atmosphere of the envelope of O-rich evolved stars that the very rich spectrum of rotational, vibrational and ro-vibrational transitions of water is observed, and sometimes in surprisingly excited energy states. To understand the excitation of water in these environments, it is necessary to model the excitation of water not only by the radiation from the central star and by radiative coupling with the background radiation, but also by collisions with its most abundant partners (H2, He, H, e-). This implies knowing the collision rates for pure rotational transitions within the first four excited vibrational states (v1=1, v2=1, 2 and v3=1) as well as the rotational transitions between the ground state and these excited states. The first objective is therefore to obtain these collision rates. The second is to include these in an advanced radiative transfer code to reproduce the ALMA observations (ATOMIUM consortium, (https://fys.kuleuven.be/ster/research-projects/aerosol/atomium/atomium) and interpret them. The crossed molecular beam experiment in Bordeaux allows the study of inelastic collisions down to very low collision energies, where quantum effects may be observed. The experimental studies will be used to validate theoretical methods in order to provide reliable data to astrophysicists. The first objective of the thesis will be to extend our first experimental studies on H2O and D2O + H2 to vibrationally excited water molecules. To model the emission of water lines from highly excited levels we will use a radiative transfer code published by Gray, Baudry et al (2016). The next step will be to include the results of the experimental or theoretical work done at the ISM, i.e. to incorporate the new collision rates, and to extend the code to the first four vibrational levels of water in an attempt to model all the lines observed in ATOMIUM.
Additional information: The Ph.D. student will work mainly at ISM, together with Fabrice Herpin (LAB) and Astrid Bergeat (ISM) and other WATERSTARS team members, in close collaboration with the ATOMIUM team. More information on the Laboratoire d?Astrophysique de Bordeaux and Institut des Sciences Moléculaires can be found at https://astrophy.u-bordeaux.fr and http://www.ism.u-bordeaux.fr, respectively. The 3-year paid thesis contract requires a Master's degree in Astronomy, Physics or Physical Chemistry (or equivalent), obtained before the start of the contract. The start date of the thesis will be between 1 October 2021 and 1 March 2022. Applications should include a brief description of research interests and a summary of previous experience relevant to the subject, a CV, copies of Master's and Bachelor's degrees, Master's certificates or transcripts and internships, as well as contact details of the Master's supervisor and internship supervisors. Applications are open until the vacancy is filled and should be sent to Fabrice Herpin (fabrice.herpin @ u-bordeaux.fr) or Astrid Bergeat (astrid.bergeat @ u-bordeaux.fr). A complete description of the position can be found at https://www.ism.u-bordeaux.fr/spip.php?article354
Skills required: Practical experience with spectroscopy, experimental kinetic techniques, use of lasers, programming language, radiative transfer calculations or analysis of observational data will be considered a merit.
Funding details: secured financing (ANR Ph-D fellowship)
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| Astronomer / Instrument Project Scientist | Closing date: 2021-05-15
Contact: HR dept. |
| ESO is engaged in the operation and construction of a number of optical and infrared instruments for its observatories. The Instrument Project Scientist follows the development and construction phases of new instruments supporting and nurturing its science goals, ensuring that the top-level requirements are fulfilled and that the operational scenarios are commensurate with the scientific needs and the constraints of the observatory. | | ▸ more | The development of the instruments may either be carried out by a consortium of universities and institutes, working in collaboration with ESO, or by an internal team at ESO. The Project Scientist is a prime contact for the associated consortia/institutes, as well as for the ESO science community at large when it comes to prepare for and advertise the science.
The successful applicant will be assigned to follow one or more instruments at any given time. We are looking for an enthusiastic and outstanding scientist, with the prime objective to support and follow the ELT spectrograph HARMONI. HARMONI is an integral-field unit (IFU) which will operate both in the optical and near-infrared regimes, providing exquisite two-dimensional coverage of science targets aided by dedicated Single Conjugated and Laser Tomography Adaptive Optics (AO) modules. This highly complex ELT first-light instrument will serve a broad community of scientists addressing topics from planets, galactic and extragalactic systems, to the high-z universe.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides strong scientific leadership to the assigned instrument programmes within ESO - Acts as the principal scientific contact to the instrument building consortium - Liaises with ESO's scientific community on issues related to the instruments under their responsibility - Develops, owns and maintains the scientific requirements for the assigned instruments - As a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty, he/she will be expected and encouraged to conduct a strong personal research programme and to participate actively in the scientific life of ESO - Works closely with the ESO Project Managers, and System Engineers to ensure the implementation of the scientific requirements - Coordinates and connects with the relevant Programme Scientist(s) on the related instruments and projects - Supports the testing, commissioning and early operations. Specifically preparation for the science operation during design, manufacturing/assembly/integration, testing, and commissioning of the instrument in close cooperation with the observatory - Participates in progress meetings and instrument reviews - Tracks the evolving requirements for the assigned instruments emerging from the community - Interacts closely with the observatory and data management teams on operational aspects - Coordinates the activities of the instrument Science Team.
The tasks are not limited to the above and a flexible approach and willingness to adapt are required.
Reports to:
Head of the Project Science Department
Key Competences and Experience:
Essential Competences and Experience:
- Demonstrated experience and strong involvement in the key phases of the development of at least one astronomical instrumentation project (initial/final design, system testing, or commissioning and early operations) - Experience with the planning, execution, analysis and publication of scientific research arising from said instrumentation - Active research programme and robust publication record - Understanding of the science requirements on instruments and strategies for their realisation - Ability to provide scientific and strategic vision and leadership to geographically dispersed multi-cultural/multidisciplinary teams within a cost-constrained programme - Proficiency in relevant data reduction methods and tools - Ability to motivate and inspire others and strong influencing skills - Cooperative team player - Ability to work in a clear and structured manner producing meaningful reports to supervisors and presentations to governing bodies - Provides clear, concise and timely oral and written communication, identifying the key issues, examining options, and proposing a way forward - Ability to effectively communicate at all levels and across disciplines within the organisation and with the community - Ability to negotiate with external scientists and instrument builders to achieve ESO's goals.
Desirable Competences and Experience:
- Significant expertise in spectroscopy (preferably in near-IR) and in particular with integral-field units (IFU?s) - Good knowledge of adaptive optics techniques, in particular laser tomographic AO - Broader experience following instrument development over most if not all phases from initial design to final commissioning.
Qualifications:
Ph.D. in astronomy, physics or equivalent
Language Skills:
Excellent command of the English language is essential.
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (tax free), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and the possibility to place your child/children in daycare.
The contract is for a fixed-term duration of three years, subject to successful completion of the probation period. There is a possibility of extension(s) subject to individual performance and organisational requirements, and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. For any further information, please visit http://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff. Please note that the contract policy and in particular the regulations concerning fixed-term and indefinite contracts are currently under review which may lead to changes in the contractual conditions applicable to this position.
Serious consideration will be given to outstanding candidates willing to be seconded to ESO on leave from their home institutions. The grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.
Duty Station: Garching near Munich, Germany, with duty trips to the ESO sites in Chile as required.
Application:
Applicants are invited to apply online at https://recruitment.eso.org/.
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| Fuelling the central engine of disc galaxies - A PhD@ESO, Munich | Closing date: 2021-04-30
Contact: Eric Emsellem |
| Our team is looking for an enthusiastic Student to engage in a simulations + observations based PhD project together with an international team of modellers, observers and theorists. The PhD will be based in Munich, Germany, at the European Southern Observatory (Garching). The goal of the proposed PhD is to study the gas fuelling process of disc galaxies hosting supermassive black holes (SMBH), and the cause for the 'flickering' SMBH activity, hence identifying the physical conditions which can turn on (or shut off) the SMBH activity. | | ▸ more | A PhD in Astrophysics @ ESO Garching: Fuelling the central engine of disc galaxies
Our team is looking for an enthusiastic Student to engage in a simulations + observations based PhD project together with an international team of modellers, observers and theorists. The PhD will be based in Munich, Germany, at the European Southern Observatory (Garching) with a supervisory team covering USM/LMU and the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Munich. The 3-yrs PhD is funded by the ORIGINS Excellence Cluster in Munich. Applicants need to obtain the equivalent of a Master of Science degree by the time the PhD programme starts.
Applicants should send their files directly to Eric Emsellem (eric.emsellem @ eso.org) and Klaus Dolag (kdolag @ MPA-Garching.MPG.DE) by the 30th of April, 2021. Late applications will be considered until the position is filled.
The applicants should arrange for the sending of at least 2 (possibly 3) letters of recommendations by the deadline.
An individual application should include (PDF only):
- A Curriculum Vitae, including details on the academic path and mention of any relevant experiences (training periods, publications, projects).
- A 1-page maximum motivation letter (font size >= 11).
- Letters of recommendation (see above).
=> PhD @ ESO Garching, funded by the ORIGINS Excellence Cluster (https://www.origins-cluster.de/en/)
* Starting Date: September 2021 (flexible).
* Supervisory Team: Eric Emsellem (ESO) & Klaus Dolag (USM/MPA), Francesca Fragkoudi (ESO), Milena Valentini (USM/LMU) - (formal supervisors = Emsellem/Dolag)
* Direct Collaborators for the project: Eva Schinnerer (MPIA-Heidelberg), Jeremy Fensch (CRAL-Lyon), Florent Renaud (Lund)
Please direct any questions you may have to eric.emsellem @ eso.org and kdolag @ MPA-Garching.MPG.DE.
Abstract
========
Supermassive black holes (SMBHs) are present at the centres of most galaxies and seem to co-evolve with their hosts. Some become active, when specific physical conditions allow gas to be accreted in the vicinity of the SMBH. The activity is known to be intermittent, shutting on and off for short periods of 100 to 1,000,000 years.
The goal of the proposed PhD is to study the cause for this 'flickering' SMBH activity and identify the physical conditions which can turn on (or shut off) the SMBH activity. One key factor seems to be the availability and fuelling of gas from large galactic scales in the galaxy disks down to below the ~parsec scale, i.e. into the immediate vicinity of the SMBH itself.
Our team is conducting state-of-the-art numerical and observational experiments to further our understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies (via cosmological simulations, high-resolution simulations of galaxies, detailed modelling and observations using multi-wavelength messengers). One main focus is on the role of galactic structures on star formation, nuclear activity and the connection with black holes.
In that context, we seek a PhD student who will lead the development, running and exploitation of dedicated hydro-dynamical simulations at highest resolution possible to directly probe the variability and understand how it connects to the large-scale disk properties. The PhD project will benefit form the nearby LRZ supercomputing facilities and get the support from an international team of theorists and observers (e.g., Florent Renaud, Lund; Eva Schinnerer, MPIA-Heidelberg; Jeremy Fensch, CRAL-Lyon). This PhD project will also be a superb opportunity to connect with multi-wavelength observational astronomy via e.g., the unique PHANGS datasets (e.g., ALMA, MUSE/VLT, HST). We will guide and support the PhD student as to have her/him take full ownership of the project, its science objectives and results.
Useful Links
===========
ESO = http://www.eso.org : The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is the pre-eminent intergovernmental science and technology organisation in astronomy. It carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities for astronomy, in order to enable important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomical research.
LRZ: https://www.lrz.de/english/ : the Leibniz-Rechenzentrum is a computing centre hosting several super computers and its associated support, and is based in Munich (Garching Science Campus).
ORIGINS: https://www.origins-cluster.de/en/ : The Excellence Cluster ORIGINS investigates the origin of the Universe and life. The interdisciplinary research network emerges from the very fruitful collaboration between astro-, particle- and nuclear physicists within the previous Excellence Cluster Universe, which explored fundamental properties of the Universe.
PHANGS: https://sites.google.com/view/phangs/home : this project (Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS) aims to understand the interplay of the small-scale physics of gas and star formation with galactic structure and galaxy evolution. Observations of nearby galaxies will be utilised to understand how physics at or near the cloud scale are affected by galaxy-scale conditions, how they affect still smaller scale processes, and how these influence the evolution of whole galaxies. PHANGS is mainly based on 3 ambitious observing campaigns using state-of-the-art facilities: the PHANGS-ALMA and PHANGS-MUSE Large Programmes as well as the PHANGS-HST project. It is supported by a set of accompanying surveys (from the UV to the Radio) and numerical simulations and modelling efforts.
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| Understanding supersoft X-ray sources with eROSITA observations | Closing date: 2021-04-30
Contact: Klaus Werner |
| The Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Tübingen (IAAT) invites applications for the position of a PhD student of a DFG (German Research Foundation) funded project in stellar physics. The project focuses on the development of advanced model atmospheres for white dwarfs, for the emission from boundary layers and from irradiated accretion disks. The models shall be used to analyse eROSITA observations from supersoft X-ray sources. | | ▸ more | | The starting date is negotiable but is expected to be around summer/autumn 2021. Applicants are required to have a master's degree in astrophysics or physics. The salary is based upon the German public service scale (75% of E13 TV-L) with a temporary contract of 3 years. The university seeks to raise the number of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Disabled persons with equivalent aptitude will be given preference. Interested students are invited to send by e-mail a single PDF file containing cover letter, curriculum vitae, master degree certificate, link to master thesis, and statement of previous research experience. Applicants should also provide the contact information for two reference letter writers. Applications received by April 30, 2021 will be given full consideration.
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| PhD student position (m/f/other) in the MHD and Turbulence group at AIP | Closing date: 2021-04-23
Contact: Oliver Gressel |
| The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) invites applications for a PhD student position (m/f/other) in the Magnetohydrodynamics and Turbulence group at the AIP. The group has a long tradition in the subject of Mean-Field MHD. Under the supervision of M. Küker and O. Gressel, the primary goal of the 3-year (+1 year upon evaluation) project is to predict stellar diffferential rotation / meridional circulation based on simulation work and subsequently perform mean-field modelling of stellar dynamos. | | ▸ more | Your tasks:- Study angular momentum transport, meridional flows, and magnetic field generation (via the mean-field dynamo mechanism) in the convection zones of cool stars.
- Setup state-of-the-art direct numerical simulations of stellar convection and extract the resulting Reynolds stress and the turbulent electromotive force from the simulations.
Your profile:- Applicants should hold a MSc degree or equivalent in astrophysics or a related discipline at the time of starting the position.
- Previous experience in the fields of fluid dynamics or magnetohydrodynamics, and/or a background in stellar astrophysics will be considered a strong asset.
- Ideally, you are already equipped with a skillset covering basic scientific programming, as well as running and analysing high-performance computer simulations.
The full job advertisment including instructions how to apply can be found at
https://www.aip.de/documents/131/phd-student-position-mfother-2
For general information about working at AIP, see
https://www.aip.de/en/career/working-at-aip/
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| Operations Scientist /SAFe® Product Manager | Closing date: 2021-04-02
Contact: Claire Taylor |
An ideal opportunity for a candidate with experience of software development and/or telescope operations to be part of a unique international project.
To apply for this role follow this link: https://recruitment.skatelescope.org/vacancy/operations-scientist-safe%C2%AE-product-manager-434591.html | | ▸ more | The Role
The SKA Operations Group is seeking to employ a talented and motivated person to act as a Product Manager to support and guide the software development for the construction of the SKA telescopes. As a large and globally distributed project, the software is being developed by many teams across different time zones from outside of the SKA Observatory.
The appointee will be an expert focal point for the development teams, providing expertise and guidance to those teams in areas of Observation Management. The role, therefore, calls for an organised person who understands, or is able to quickly acquire, system knowledge in the area of (radio) astronomy telescopes and their operation.
To manage the software development of the project, the SKA has adopted the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) for Lean/Agile development processes. As a Product Manager, the appointee will represent the interests and priorities of the SKA Operations team for the construction and operation of the SKA telescopes. They will be responsible for ensuring that the SAFe teams deliver value to the SKA by specifying and defining the priorities of the work and developing the programme roadmap. As a Product Manager they will have the responsibility for defining work, and assessing when it is completed, and accepting that work into the Programme. As such, the appointee will need to understand software development practices and technology.
Although the appointee will be a member of the Operations Group, they will spend the majority of their time working closely with the software development SAFe teams.
Full-time hours will be 35 hours per week. Flexible working arrangements are possible in agreement with the Line Manager, as long as contributions to telescope delivery are not impacted.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties
Working as a member of the SAFe Product Management team with key internal and external SKA stakeholders, including the Lead Software Product Manager, the Head of Science Operations, and the SKA System Scientist, the post holder will:
- Contribute to the Product Management Team in the development and communication of the vision and roadmap for the SKA Observatory’s software development programme to all relevant stakeholders.
- Contribute to the Operations group, engaging with the Science Operations and Data Operations teams to understand their priorities in the development of the roadmap.
- Develop Features aligned with the vision and roadmap and enter them into the SAFe Program Backlog.
- Engage with the teams to define Program Backlog items. Clarify Backlog items and confirm their understanding within the development teams.
- Define acceptance criteria for the work under their ownership and be responsible for accepting the results of the work carried out.
- Be an expert stakeholder for the development teams with respect to issues regarding Observation Management.
- Attend SAFe Program Increment (PI) planning meetings (every 3 months) to prioritise and plan future work and report on work carried out.
- Provide inputs to define and prioritise the content of the SAFe Program Backlog in collaboration with the Product Management team.
- Work with stakeholders to understand and define SKA Programme objectives.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
The post holder will have:
- A PhD, or equivalent, in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science or a closely related field, or equivalent experience in a professional scientific operational capacity.
- Significant experience in software development in a scientific environment, preferably in a (radio) astronomy setting, or equivalent, with an end-user perspective.
- Experience with the operation of (radio) observatories, science operations and observation management, from proposal management and handling through to the execution of science projects on the telescope.
- The ability to resolve multifaceted and complex problems, developing coherent solutions and managing workloads and targets in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- The ability to build effective working relationships and influence with engineers and scientists from a variety of cultures.
- The capability to work in a team as a flexible, adaptable team player, able to work to deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills in English, especially within multicultural teams, able to translate technical concepts into clear guidance and advice.
- The ability to accommodate occasional travel, nationally and internationally (typically 1 week, 3 or 4 times a year, and subject to current international travel limitations).
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Experience in a similar role within a Software Development Project in a Scientific/Astronomical environment.
- Agile certification (Scaled Agile Program Consultant, BCS Agile Practitioner certification, or similar).
- Project management experience in a software development environment.
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| Two postdoctoral positions for GRAND data analysis at the University of Warsaw, Poland | Closing date: 2021-04-15
Contact: Lech Piotrowski |
| Two full-time postdoctoral positions at the University of Warsaw within the framework of Giant Radio Array For Neutrino Detection (GRAND), 2 year period each. The team will be focusing on data analysis. | | ▸ more | Two full-time postdoctoral positions at the University of Warsaw within the framework of Giant Radio Array For Neutrino Detection (GRAND, https://grand.cnrs.fr/), 2 year period each. The team will be focusing on the data analysis, with one postdoc expected to focus on developing "classical" methods, and another on "machine learning" methods for shower reconstruction.
The deadline for applications is the 15th of April, 2021. The details can be found in the following pdf file:
https://www.fuw.edu.pl/tl_files/praca/2021/2021-03-10_praca_adiunkt_badawczy_ifd_wf_1210_124_2020_en_do_15_04_2021.pdf
The gross-gross yearly remuneration is 100,000 PLN (including all employee and employer social security contributions and taxes). The project budget includes trips to conferences and work-sites.
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| Post Doctoral Position in Superconducting Quantum Devices | Closing date: 2021-04-16
Contact: Dr. Boon Kok Tan |
| The Superconducting Quantum Detector Group at the University of Oxford invites applications from suitable qualified candidates for two ERC funded PDRA positions, to join us for developing quantum-limited superconducting parametric amplifiers and associated superconducting quantum devices for astronomy, fundamental physics and quantum information technologies. | | ▸ more | Two Post-Doctoral Research Assistant Positions
Department of Physics, University of Oxford
Closing date: 16th April 2021
The Superconducting Quantum Detector Group at the University of Oxford invites applications from suitable qualified candidates for two ERC funded PDRA positions. The post is available initially for a fixed-term duration of 2 years, with the possibility of extension (until end of grant).
Our research is primarily aimed at the development of ultra-sensitive superconducting quantum devices for astronomy and quantum computation. One of the main research focuses of our current programme is the development of quantum-limited Superconducting Parametric Amplifiers (SPAs), which is of high priority importance for fundamental physics, in particular the challenging millimetre (mm) and sub-mm astronomy, dark matter searches and development of quantum information technologies.
The successful candidate will lead an SPA associated project, design the superconducting devices, setup the experiment using a test cryostat system, conduct experiments to test and analysis the performance of the devices, including guide and assist post-graduate research students, writing progress reports, attending conferences and publish scientific papers. The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach. Applicants should possess, or be very close to completion of a doctorate in physics or a related field and ideally a strong background in superconducting quantum devices.
We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. Applications should be submitted online via the links by the closing date. Please click on the following links for more details regarding the posts.
https://my.corehr.com/pls/uoxrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.display_form?p_company=10&p_internal_external=E&p_display_in_irish=N&p_process_type=&p_applicant_no=&p_form_profile_detail=&p_display_apply_ind=Y&p_refresh_search=Y&p_recruitment_id=149921
Oxford physics consist of 6 sub-departments, where the sub-department Astrophysics have more than 20 academic staffs, about 50 postdoctoral researchers and over 60 PhD students. The SQD group is also working closely with colleagues from the Condensed Matter Physics sub-department, along with many other national and international institutes. The Department of Physics have large diverse research programmes, and has an active international collaboration and visitors programme. To find out more about the research group and Oxford Physics, visit https://www2.physics.ox.ac.uk/research/millimetre-and-thz-detector-development .
Please direct enquiries about the role to Dr. Boon Kok Tan boonkok.tan @ physics.ox.ac.uk
|
| PhD position in the field of massive stars and stellar atmospheres | Closing date: 2021-04-25
Contact: Andreas Sander |
| We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student (m/f/d) to join the new research group on stellar atmospheres of hot stars at Heidelberg University led by Dr. Andreas Sander and funded by the DFG Emmy Noether Programme Uncovering the cornerstones of our Universe: Application and Development of Next-Generation Stellar Atmospheres. The group starts in August 2021 and is located at the Astronomisches Rechen-Institut (ARI). | | ▸ more | The new stellar atmosphere group at the ARI will perform research about the properties and impact of massive stars, using state-of-the-art and next-generation stellar atmosphere modelling with a particular scientific focus on evolved, massive stars. Beside the advertised position, the group will initially consist of the group leader, one postdoc, and another PhD student. The announced PhD project will be at the conjunction of theory and observations, employing stellar atmospheres to determine the impact of hot stars and draw theoretical conclusions. The project will make intense use of the calculation and application of expanding stellar atmosphere models with the opportunity to also participate in the future development of the underlying model atmosphere code (PoWR). Moreover, the group will have a major involvement in XSHOOTU and further ongoing collaborations within and beyond the massive star community.
The advertised position is available from August 1st, 2021. A later starting date can be negotiated. The initial appointment will be for a period of 3 years with the possibility for an extension depending on available funding. The salary will be based on the German federal public service salary scale (66 percent of E 13 TV-L) following the standard procedures for PhD students at Heidelberg University. The successful applicant will be enrolled as a PhD student at Heidelberg University and join a graduate school that offers excellent training opportunities.
About the ARI: As the PI institution of the DFG Collaborative Research Center SFB 881 The Milky Way System, the ARI is a central pillar in the vibrant Heidelberg astronomical community and has a major role in the ESA Gaia mission as well as several other international projects. Together with the Landessternwarte Königstuhl (LSW) and the nearby Institut für Theoretische Astrophysik (ITA), the ARI forms the Zentrum für Astronomie der Universität Heidelberg (ZAH), the largest university astronomy group within Germany. The ARI is further closely connected to the University's Department of Physics and Astronomy and cooperates with the Max-Planck Institutes for Astronomy (MPIA), the Max-Planck-Institute for Nuclear Physics (MPIK) and the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), offering outstanding collaboration and network opportunities for the project and the successful applicant. ARI researchers have access to all ESO facilities, including the VLT, and to the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT).
Requirements: Applicants need to have an MSc degree in Physics/Astronomy or equivalent by the starting date. Additional expertise or research experience in stellar astrophysics and in particular in the fields of spectroscopy, stellar atmospheres, or stellar evolution may be advantageous.
How to apply: Please submit a motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) including a brief description of your Master or equivalent research project, a CV, relevant university certificates, and one letter of recommendation. Please also provide contact details of at least one additional referee who agreed to write a letter of recommendation upon request. Please combine all application documents (except the letter of recommendation) into a single PDF and send this document to andreas.sander @ armagh.ac.uk including the keyword [PhD Stellar Atmospheres] in the subject line. The letter should be sent separately and directly by its author to the same email address with the same keyword.
Complete applications submitted until April 25th, 2021 will receive full consideration, but late applications will also be accepted until the position is filled. For further information please contact Dr. Andreas Sander via andreas.sander @ armagh.ac.uk.
Included Benefits: Comprehensive social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service.
The salaries include employer contributions to medical and dental insurance, maternity and paternity leave, and retirement benefits.
Heidelberg University is a certified family-friendly employer and an equal opportunity employer. Women and
members of under-represented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
PDF Version of this Job announcement
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| Developing the alignment control system for the ET(-pathfinder) mirrors | Closing date: 2021-04-09
Contact: Gert Raskin |
PhD fellowship at the Institute of Astronomy (KU Leuven) in collaboration with ETpathfinder (Maastricht University) on Gravitational Wave interferometry.
Position for 2 years, once renewable with 2 more years after positive evaluation.
| | ▸ more | The goal of this PhD project is to define the optimal control strategy for aligning the mirrors of the ETpathfinder interferometer and, later on, of ET. Specifically, we intend to determine the most efficient and accurate way to sense the interferometer beams, and to develop the required tools for this (e.g. optical lever technology). Furthermore, we will identify the optimal control scheme for the automatic alignment of the interferometer mirrors with minimal impact on strain sensitivity. The activities in this project are a combination of design, analysis, simulations and laboratory experiments, both in the field of optics as well as control systems. It will be carried out partly at the Institute of Astronomy of KU Leuven (?Belgium?), and partly at ETpathfinder in Maastricht (Netherlands).
More information and instructions on how to apply: https://fys.kuleuven.be/ster/vacancies/vacancies#PhD_ETP
Contact: gert.raskin @ kuleuven.be
Application deadline: 9 April 2021
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| Postdoctoral associate position in the area of stellar atmospheres | Closing date: 2021-04-01
Contact: Dr. Matthias Steffen |
The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP, https://www.aip.de) invites applications for a
Postdoctoral associate position in the area of stellar atmospheres (m/f/d)
to participate in the EU-funded project H2020 ChETEC-INFRA, a collaboration of 32 European institutions committed to research in nuclear astrophysics. The goal of this collaboration is to advance the field of nuclear astrophysics by providing transnational access to astronuclear laboratories, telescopes, and supercomputer facilities, addressing key questions on solar fusion and stellar nucleosynthesis.
| | ▸ more | Job description
The post-doc at the AIP will develop new, innovative methods and software tools to exploit the full potential of three-dimensional model atmospheres coupled with non-LTE radiative transfer for deriving accurate elemental and isotopic abundances from stellar spectra. The successful candidate is expected to work on these topics in close collaboration with Dr. Matthias Steffen. The post-doc is encouraged to also pursue his/her own research interests as far as they align with the funded project area.
Qualification
Applicants should hold a PhD degree in astrophysics or a related discipline at the time of starting the position. Qualified candidates are expected to have a solid background in the theory of stellar atmospheres and (non-LTE) spectral line formation. The post-doc needs good programming skills and should have some experience in large-scale computing. Experience with three-dimensional model atmospheres is an advantage.
Contract
The EU-funded appointment will be for 24 months with a flexible starting date as of May 1, 2021. The salary is based on the German public service scale (TV-L E13) and the applicant?s previous experience. The position includes travel and computing support. Employer contributions to medical and dental insurance, parental leave, retirement benefits and the public transport system (job ticket) are included.
Application
To apply, please send a single PDF file containing a cover letter, statement of research experiences and interests relevant to this position (max. 2 pages), curriculum vitae, and publication list to
bewerbung_2021-09 @ aip.de
Applicants should also provide the contact information of 2 references who are prepared to provide letters of recommendation upon request. Applications received by April 1, 2021 will receive full consideration.
The AIP is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity and particularly encourages women and members of other underrepresented groups to apply. Inquiries about the position should be sent to Dr. Matthias Steffen (msteffen @ aip.de).
Contact:
Leibniz-Institut fu?r Astrophysik Potsdam (AIP)
Dr. Matthias Steffen
An der Sternwarte 16
14482 Potsdam
|
| Postdoctoral position in High-Energy Astrophysics | Closing date: 2021-04-01
Contact: Thierry Stolarczyk |
Start of candidate selection: March 1st, 2021
CTA is the next generation ground based gamma ray observatory. With tens of telescopes on sites in both hemispheres, it will allow probing the high-energy sky with an unprecedented sensitivity and angular resolution, in the energy domain from a few tens of GeV to a few hundreds of TeV. The CTA group at the Astrophysics department of IRFU invites applications for a post-doctoral research position in high-energy astrophysics in the context of the start of the construction of the telescope arrays and the first real data analysis. | | ▸ more | The objective is to contribute to the improvement and go toward finalisation of the CTA data pipeline software, aiming at producing sky images from the telescope array data. A prototype version has been made available and has now to be adapted to the construction phase of the observatory, and later its full exploitation. A particular effort is required to tune the existing implemented algorithms to real data in particular for what concern the data volume reduction (image cleaning) and the determination of energy and particle discrimination using supervised artificial intelligence. The development will be made in the context of the early science phase of CTA, giving the opportunity to cover science subjects to be discussed with the candidate.
The candidates should hold a PhD in subatomic physics, astroparticle or astrophysics with a strong motivation in software and algorithm developments as well as formal code release and documentation, the understanding of experimental data and physics analysis. The software will be written in Python and experience in object-oriented programming is appreciated.
The position is available from mid- 2021 for a period of up to 3 years. The position will remain open until filled. The candidate selection will start on March 1st.
The applicant should send the following documents in a digitized format to Thierry Stolarczyk, head of the group (thierry.stolarczyk @ cea.fr):
- A letter of motivation;
- A curriculum vitae, a list of relevant publications;
- The names of at least two references and at least two letters of recommendation.
--------------------------
IRFU is the largest fundamental research institute of CEA, in the heart of the Paris-Saclay University, 40 km south of Paris. It covers major science fields in particle and nuclear physics and astrophysics, with a strong participation in instrumentation. The astrophysics department of IRFU is a joint CEA Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Paris- University laboratory. It comprises 200 scientists, engineers, and technicians and covers astrophysics from planetology and stellar formation to high-energy astrophysics, galaxy dynamics and cosmology. The CTA group consists of about ten scientists involved in high-energy astrophysics through various projects or observatories (HESS, Fermi, Integral, SVOM, XMM-Newton, Antares), with expertise in galactic science and GRB. The CTA data pipeline development is currently coordinated in the group.
More information:
- Irfu: http://irfu.cea.fr
- Irfu Astrophysics department: http://irfu.cea.fr/Dap/en/
- The Cherenkov Telescope Array, CTA : http://www.cta-observatory.org
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| 4 PhD Fellowships in Exolife Science at University of Copenhagen, Denmark | Closing date: 2021-04-15
Contact: Uffe Gråe Jørgensen |
We advertise the opening of 4 PhD fellowships at University of Copenhagen, in the field of Exolife Science, understood as the overlap field between astronomy, biology, physics, and chemistry. The fellowships are part of the synergy project: Effects of bacteria on atmospheres of Earth, Mars, and exoplanets.
| | ▸ more | Start of all the fellowships is August 15, 2021, or soon thereafter.
The projects are part of a total of 6 new synergy positions involving staff at University of Copenhagen from the Niels Bohr Institute, the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology. The candidates will work as a team with the common goal of deepening our understanding of the global interactions of life with its surroundings in terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments.
For more information, please see https://cels.nbi.ku.dk/english/openings/
PhD project 1: Activity of microorganisms under extreme conditions
The main goal of the project is to investigate the survival and activity of microorganisms under extreme conditions e.g. simulating Mars. This will be based on cold-active and xerotolerant bacteria, archaea and fungi isolated from extreme environments on Earth. Selected microorganisms will be genome sequenced to characterize their genetic potential and transcriptomic studies will be used to characterize their responses to e.g. Martian challenges. The project includes studies on how microorganisms may affect atmospheric composition and how microbial activity may be traced as potential biosignatures of life on exoplanets.
PhD project 2: Spectra of exoplanet bio signature molecules
The main goal of this project is to measure vibrational and electronic spectra of compounds produced by the bacteria and archaea in the test chamber and other relevant bio signature molecules. Spectra will also be calculated based on methods we have developed and continue to develop for molecules we suspect are plausible in exoplanetary atmospheres, but where experimental spectra might not be possible. Theoretical chemistry will be used to investigate photolysis and chemical reactions of the molecules that could be potential bio signatures of life on exoplanets.
PhD project 3: Cloud formation and cloud properties on Earth and in exoplanets
The main goal of this project is to develop realistic self-consistent numerical models of atmospheric structure with cloud formation, and compute emergent synthetic spectra that can be compared to observed exoplanet spectra, in order to quantify potential signatures of life in the spectra. The project includes studies of how microbiology potentially affects the formation of clouds and how this can be traced in spectra of exoplanets as a potential biosignature.
PhD project 4: Micro-biological influence on atmospheric dynamics
Aerosols, which can be microbial organisms, crucially influence planetary albedo and precipitation through changes to cloud properties. Microbial aerosols may even influence cloud formation in ways to improve local conditions ? constituting an evolutionary life-climate feedback. In this PhD project, such life-climate interactions will be explored with simulations and theoretical models. We will simulate the effects of microbes spreading in space, interact, and thus evolve. We explore, which planetary atmospheres promote the emergence of life.
Principal supervisors are
Professor Uffe Gråe Jørgensen, Niels Bohr Institute, email: uffegj @ nbi.dk
Associate professor Jan O. M. Härter, Niels Bohr Institute, email: haerter @ nbi.ku.dk
Professor Anders Priemé, Department of Biology, email: aprieme @ bio.ku.dk
Professor Henrik Grum Kjærgaard, Department of Chemistry, email: hgk @ chem.ku.dk
|
| 4 PhD Fellowships in Exolife Science at University of Copenhagen, Denmark | Closing date: 2021-04-15
Contact: Uffe Gråe Jørgensen |
We advertise the opening of 4 PhD fellowships at University of Copenhagen, in the field of Exolife Science, understood as the overlap field between astronomy, biology, physics, and chemistry. The fellowships are part of the synergy project: Effects of bacteria on atmospheres of Earth, Mars, and exoplanets.
| | ▸ more | Start of all the fellowships is August 15, 2021, or soon thereafter.
The projects are part of a total of 6 new synergy positions involving staff at University of Copenhagen from the Niels Bohr Institute, the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology. The candidates will work as a team with the common goal of deepening our understanding of the global interactions of life with its surroundings in terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments.
For more information, please see https://cels.nbi.ku.dk/english/openings/
PhD project 1: Activity of microorganisms under extreme conditions
The main goal of the project is to investigate the survival and activity of microorganisms under extreme conditions e.g. simulating Mars. This will be based on cold-active and xerotolerant bacteria, archaea and fungi isolated from extreme environments on Earth. Selected microorganisms will be genome sequenced to characterize their genetic potential and transcriptomic studies will be used to characterize their responses to e.g. Martian challenges. The project includes studies on how microorganisms may affect atmospheric composition and how microbial activity may be traced as potential biosignatures of life on exoplanets.
PhD project 2: Spectra of exoplanet bio signature molecules
The main goal of this project is to measure vibrational and electronic spectra of compounds produced by the bacteria and archaea in the test chamber and other relevant bio signature molecules. Spectra will also be calculated based on methods we have developed and continue to develop for molecules we suspect are plausible in exoplanetary atmospheres, but where experimental spectra might not be possible. Theoretical chemistry will be used to investigate photolysis and chemical reactions of the molecules that could be potential bio signatures of life on exoplanets.
PhD project 3: Cloud formation and cloud properties on Earth and in exoplanets
The main goal of this project is to develop realistic self-consistent numerical models of atmospheric structure with cloud formation, and compute emergent synthetic spectra that can be compared to observed exoplanet spectra, in order to quantify potential signatures of life in the spectra. The project includes studies of how microbiology potentially affects the formation of clouds and how this can be traced in spectra of exoplanets as a potential biosignature.
PhD project 4: Micro-biological influence on atmospheric dynamics
Aerosols, which can be microbial organisms, crucially influence planetary albedo and precipitation through changes to cloud properties. Microbial aerosols may even influence cloud formation in ways to improve local conditions ? constituting an evolutionary life-climate feedback. In this PhD project, such life-climate interactions will be explored with simulations and theoretical models. We will simulate the effects of microbes spreading in space, interact, and thus evolve. We explore, which planetary atmospheres promote the emergence of life.
Principal supervisors are
Professor Uffe Gråe Jørgensen, Niels Bohr Institute, email: uffegj @ nbi.dk
Associate professor Jan O. M. Härter, Niels Bohr Institute, email: haerter @ nbi.ku.dk
Professor Anders Priemé, Department of Biology, email: aprieme @ bio.ku.dk
Professor Henrik Grum Kjærgaard, Department of Chemistry, email: hgk @ chem.ku.dk
|
| 4 PhD Fellowships in Exolife Science at University of Copenhagen, Denmark | Closing date: 2021-04-15
Contact: Uffe Gråe Jørgensen |
We advertise the opening of 4 PhD fellowships at University of Copenhagen, in the field of Exolife Science, understood as the overlap field between astronomy, biology, physics, and chemistry. The fellowships are part of the synergy project: Effects of bacteria on atmospheres of Earth, Mars, and exoplanets.
| | ▸ more | Start of all the fellowships is August 15, 2021, or soon thereafter.
The projects are part of a total of 6 new synergy positions involving staff at University of Copenhagen from the Niels Bohr Institute, the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology. The candidates will work as a team with the common goal of deepening our understanding of the global interactions of life with its surroundings in terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments.
For more information, please see https://cels.nbi.ku.dk/english/openings/
PhD project 1: Activity of microorganisms under extreme conditions
The main goal of the project is to investigate the survival and activity of microorganisms under extreme conditions e.g. simulating Mars. This will be based on cold-active and xerotolerant bacteria, archaea and fungi isolated from extreme environments on Earth. Selected microorganisms will be genome sequenced to characterize their genetic potential and transcriptomic studies will be used to characterize their responses to e.g. Martian challenges. The project includes studies on how microorganisms may affect atmospheric composition and how microbial activity may be traced as potential biosignatures of life on exoplanets.
PhD project 2: Spectra of exoplanet bio signature molecules
The main goal of this project is to measure vibrational and electronic spectra of compounds produced by the bacteria and archaea in the test chamber and other relevant bio signature molecules. Spectra will also be calculated based on methods we have developed and continue to develop for molecules we suspect are plausible in exoplanetary atmospheres, but where experimental spectra might not be possible. Theoretical chemistry will be used to investigate photolysis and chemical reactions of the molecules that could be potential bio signatures of life on exoplanets.
PhD project 3: Cloud formation and cloud properties on Earth and in exoplanets
The main goal of this project is to develop realistic self-consistent numerical models of atmospheric structure with cloud formation, and compute emergent synthetic spectra that can be compared to observed exoplanet spectra, in order to quantify potential signatures of life in the spectra. The project includes studies of how microbiology potentially affects the formation of clouds and how this can be traced in spectra of exoplanets as a potential biosignature.
PhD project 4: Micro-biological influence on atmospheric dynamics
Aerosols, which can be microbial organisms, crucially influence planetary albedo and precipitation through changes to cloud properties. Microbial aerosols may even influence cloud formation in ways to improve local conditions ? constituting an evolutionary life-climate feedback. In this PhD project, such life-climate interactions will be explored with simulations and theoretical models. We will simulate the effects of microbes spreading in space, interact, and thus evolve. We explore, which planetary atmospheres promote the emergence of life.
Principal supervisors are
Professor Uffe Gråe Jørgensen, Niels Bohr Institute, email: uffegj @ nbi.dk
Associate professor Jan O. M. Härter, Niels Bohr Institute, email: haerter @ nbi.ku.dk
Professor Anders Priemé, Department of Biology, email: aprieme @ bio.ku.dk
Professor Henrik Grum Kjærgaard, Department of Chemistry, email: hgk @ chem.ku.dk
|
| 4 PhD Fellowships in Exolife Science at University of Copenhagen, Denmark | Closing date: 2021-04-15
Contact: Uffe Gråe Jørgensen |
We advertise the opening of 4 PhD fellowships at University of Copenhagen, in the field of Exolife Science, understood as the overlap field between astronomy, biology, physics, and chemistry. The fellowships are part of the synergy project: Effects of bacteria on atmospheres of Earth, Mars, and exoplanets.
| | ▸ more | Start of all the fellowships is August 15, 2021, or soon thereafter.
The projects are part of a total of 6 new synergy positions involving staff at University of Copenhagen from the Niels Bohr Institute, the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology. The candidates will work as a team with the common goal of deepening our understanding of the global interactions of life with its surroundings in terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments.
For more information, please see https://cels.nbi.ku.dk/english/openings/
PhD project 1: Activity of microorganisms under extreme conditions
The main goal of the project is to investigate the survival and activity of microorganisms under extreme conditions e.g. simulating Mars. This will be based on cold-active and xerotolerant bacteria, archaea and fungi isolated from extreme environments on Earth. Selected microorganisms will be genome sequenced to characterize their genetic potential and transcriptomic studies will be used to characterize their responses to e.g. Martian challenges. The project includes studies on how microorganisms may affect atmospheric composition and how microbial activity may be traced as potential biosignatures of life on exoplanets.
PhD project 2: Spectra of exoplanet bio signature molecules
The main goal of this project is to measure vibrational and electronic spectra of compounds produced by the bacteria and archaea in the test chamber and other relevant bio signature molecules. Spectra will also be calculated based on methods we have developed and continue to develop for molecules we suspect are plausible in exoplanetary atmospheres, but where experimental spectra might not be possible. Theoretical chemistry will be used to investigate photolysis and chemical reactions of the molecules that could be potential bio signatures of life on exoplanets.
PhD project 3: Cloud formation and cloud properties on Earth and in exoplanets
The main goal of this project is to develop realistic self-consistent numerical models of atmospheric structure with cloud formation, and compute emergent synthetic spectra that can be compared to observed exoplanet spectra, in order to quantify potential signatures of life in the spectra. The project includes studies of how microbiology potentially affects the formation of clouds and how this can be traced in spectra of exoplanets as a potential biosignature.
PhD project 4: Micro-biological influence on atmospheric dynamics
Aerosols, which can be microbial organisms, crucially influence planetary albedo and precipitation through changes to cloud properties. Microbial aerosols may even influence cloud formation in ways to improve local conditions ? constituting an evolutionary life-climate feedback. In this PhD project, such life-climate interactions will be explored with simulations and theoretical models. We will simulate the effects of microbes spreading in space, interact, and thus evolve. We explore, which planetary atmospheres promote the emergence of life.
Principal supervisors are
Professor Uffe Gråe Jørgensen, Niels Bohr Institute, email: uffegj @ nbi.dk
Associate professor Jan O. M. Härter, Niels Bohr Institute, email: haerter @ nbi.ku.dk
Professor Anders Priemé, Department of Biology, email: aprieme @ bio.ku.dk
Professor Henrik Grum Kjærgaard, Department of Chemistry, email: hgk @ chem.ku.dk
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| 2 PostDoc Fellowships in Exolife Science at University of Copenhagen, Denmark | Closing date: 2021-04-15
Contact: Uffe Gråe Jørgensen |
| We advertise the opening of 2 postdoctoral fellowships at University of Copenhagen, in the field of Exolife Science, understood as the overlap field between astronomy, biology, physics, and chemistry. The fellowships are part of the synergy project: Effects of bacteria on atmospheres of Earth, Mars, and exoplanets. | | ▸ more | Start of all the fellowships is August 15, 2021, or soon thereafter.
The projects are part of a total of 6 new synergy positions involving staff at University of Copenhagen from the Niels Bohr Institute, the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology. The candidates will work as a team with the common goal of deepening our understanding of the global interactions of life with its surroundings in terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments.
For more information, please see https://cels.nbi.ku.dk/english/openings/
Postdoc project 1: Physiological adaptations and genomic characterization of microbial extremophiles
The main goal of this project is to manipulate the genomes of selected bacterial, archaeal and fungal isolates in order to enhance their abilities to survive and/or sustain activity under extreme environmental conditions, e.g. simulated Martian conditions. The genomic manipulations will include microbial taxa where stable genomic constructs often prove challenging to establish, e.g. cyanobacteria. The work will include genetic and physiological characterization of the main isolates to establish the genetic and physiological background for microbial adaptations to the main environmental challenges relating to life on other planets.
Supervision: Professor Anders Priemé, Department of Biology, email: aprieme @ bio.ku.dk and Associate professor Jan O. M. Härter, Niels Bohr Institute, email: haerter @ nbi.ku.dk.
Postdoc project 2: Synthetic spectra of exoplanet atmospheres with and without biological activity
The main goal of this project is to develop models for non-equilibrium atmospheric chemistry caused by the existence of life forms, including the influence of gasses produced by micro-organisms in our lab experiments. The focus is on the reaction networks and associated spectrum computation, but can also involve related experimental work and ab initio computations.
Supervision: Professor Uffe Gråe Jørgensen, Niels Bohr Institute, email: uffegj @ nbi.dk and Professor Henrik Grum Kjærgaard, Department of Chemistry, email: hgk @ chem.ku.dk.
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| Multiple PhD positions on stellar standard candles and Hubble's constant in ERC and SNSF funded group at EPFL | Closing date: 2021-04-30
Contact: Richard Anderson |
The newly formed H1PStars team at EPFL in Switzerland is inviting applications for multiple PhD positions to improve distance measurements based on stellar standard candles in order to measure the cosmic expansion with unprecedented accuracy.
Are you highly motivated to embark on a career in astrophysics research in a diverse and stimulating environment at one of Europe's leading Universities? Do you have a background in astrophysics, astronomy, and/or cosmology? Are you excited to work at the intersection between stellar physics and cosmology? Then don't hesitate to get in touch! | | ▸ more | The available thesis subjects will improve the calibration of standard candles, their application as distance tracers, and their astrophysical understanding. Standard candle here refers to pulsating giant stars, such as Cepheids, Miras, RR Lyrae stars, and stars near the tip of the red giant branch, all of which are important for calibrating the luminosity of type-Ia supernovae via the distance ladder. By improving such distance ladders, the H1PStars team will work to understand the origins and implications of the current discord among Hubble constant measurements based on early- and late-Universe probes.
There are currently two observationally and one more theoretically minded position open. The observationally minded projects involve working with time-series data from surveys, such as Gaia and SDSS-V, as well as targeted spectroscopic observations. The theory-oriented position involves working with stellar evolution models, population synthesis, as well as available observational data to test and improve model predictions.
The H1PStars team is based primarily at the Sauverny Observatory site, which offers a vibrant world-class astrophysics research environment shared by EPFL's Laboratoire d'Astrophysique (LASTRO) and the University of Geneva's Department of Astronomy. The team is funded through an ERC Starting Grant and an SNSF Eccellenza Professorial Fellowship. Other research groups at LASTRO focus on extragalactic astrophysics and observational cosmology, as well as numerical simulations. Research at the neighboring University of Geneva covers the range from theoretical and observational stellar astrophysics, the Gaia mission, spectroscopic instrumentation, extrasolar planets, extragalactic astronomy, and high-energy astro- and astroparticle physics.
PhD positions in Switzerland are fully funded for four (4) years. For EPFL's eligibility criteria, please see: https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/edpy-physics/
To apply, please:
1) combine the following documents into a single PDF file and e-mail it to estrella.briant @ epfl.ch :
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages, see instructions below)
- CV (max 3 pages)
- University degree certificates (Bachelor & Master, scanned copies). If studies are ongoing: a copy of the current degree's transcripts
- Contact details for at least two academic references who have been contacted by the applicant and agreed to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant
2) also apply to the EPFL Physics Doctoral School, called EDPY @ EPFL by 30 April 2021. Admission into EDPY is a requirement (necessary, not sufficient) for starting a PhD at EPFL. For details on the application and the doctoral program, please see:
https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/edpy-physics/
Please make sure to include in your motivation letter:
- why you are interested in a PhD in astrophysics in general
- what kind of research you would like to do in your PhD
- how the mentioned opportunities match your interest
- if you are currently a student: your anticipated graduation date
- the following sentence in bold font: "I have read the job ad."
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| PhD position on exoplanets in Berlin, Germany | Closing date: 2021-04-07
Contact: Dr Alexis Smith |
| The Institute of Planetary Research, which is part of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is advertising a paid PhD studentship, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The position is to work with Dr Alexis Smith in Berlin on the tidal decay of hot Jupiter exoplanets. | | ▸ more | The deadline for applications is the 7th of April 2021. The successful applicant will be able to start in May 2021, although this is somewhat negotiable.
Full details of the position are available here:
https://www.dlr.de/dlr/jobs/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10596/1003_read-45826/
Applications must be submitted though the above webpage.
For informal questions, please contact Dr Alexis Smith (alexis.smith @ dlr.de).
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| ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme | Closing date: 2021-04-30
Contact: Guido De Marchi |
| To increase the scientific return from its space science missions, the European Space Agency (ESA) welcomes applications from scientists interested in pursuing research projects based on data publicly available in the ESA Space Science Archives (http://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/esdc). | | ▸ more | The ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme is open to scientists, at all career levels, affiliated with institutes in ESA Member States and Collaborating States. Early-career scientists (within 10 years of the PhD) are particularly encouraged to apply. PhD students are also welcome to apply through their supervisors.
During their stay, visiting scientists will have access to archives and mission specialists for help with the retrieval, calibration, and analysis of archival data. In principle, all areas of space research covered by ESA science missions can be supported.
Residence lasts typically between one and three months, also distributed over multiple visits. Research projects can be carried out at ESAC (Madrid, Spain) and at ESTEC (Noordwijk, Netherlands). To offset the expenses incurred by visitors, ESA covers travel costs from and to the home institution and provides support for lodging expenses and meals.
Applications received before 30 April 2021 will be considered for visits in autumn/winter (2021/2022).
For further details, including areas of research and contact information, please refer to:
http://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/esdc/visitor-programme
or write to the programme coordinators at arvp @ cosmos.esa.int
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| H2020 SPACE XMM2ATHENA postdoctoral position at IFCA (Santander, Spain) | Closing date: 2021-03-15
Contact: Francisco J. Carrera |
| We invite applications for a postdoctoral position to participate in the H2020 XMM2ATHENA project. XMM2ATHENA is a collaboration of 9 European Institutes including members of the XMM-Newton Science ground segment along with key members of the Athena Science ground segment. The goal of the project is to develop new, innovative methods to maximise the return from the current X-ray Observatory XMM-Newton and prepare for the forthcoming X-ray mission Athena. | | ▸ more |
This position will be hosted at IFCA (excellence centre Maria de Maeztu) in Santander, Spain. IFCA participates in the XMM2ATHENA project and in the XMM-Newton Survey Science Centre, and hosts the Athena X-ray observatory Community Office. The X-ray group at IFCA is also involved in the science definition of Athena and has particular interests in Active Galactic Nuclei.
Tasks:
The post-doc will lead efforts to automatically fit and analyse the spectra of the 4XMM catalogue sources, will collaborate in the automatic classification of XMM-Newton optical and X-ray sources and participate in the science product validation.
Requirements:
The post is open to candidates of any nationality who hold a PhD.
The candidate is expected to have: experience in high energy astrophysics; programming skills and experience in Active Galactic Nuclei.It would also be advantageous to have skills in interpreting data from other wavelengths.
The post is for up to three years, starting in April 2021. IFCA is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage, in particular, applications by women and by members of minorities.
Application:
Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a summary of research interests and a list of publications (all as pdf files) and arrange for two referees to send reference letters to Francisco J. Carrera ( carreraf @ ifca.unican.es ) before 15 March 2021.
Included Benefits:
Additional funding for conferences, collaboration and personal equipment is available. The position includes full access to the Spanish healthcare system (medical, sick leave, maternity leave).
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| Arcetri Fellowship 2021 | Closing date: 2021-03-22
Contact: Dr. Sofia Randich |
The Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, part of the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF), in Firenze, Italy, invites applications for the Arcetri Fellowship 2021.
The fellow is expected to pursue an independent research program in any area of astrophysics related to current research themes at the Observatory, including theory, observations or instrumentation.
The position is for two years, with a possible extension for a third year.
| | ▸ more | Research at INAF-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri (INAF-OAA) spans most areas of astrophysics and covers theoretical, observational and instrumentation efforts. Research areas include astrobiology and laboratory astrophysics; exoplanets; solar system; stellar populations and Galactic archaeology; star and planet formation; astrochemistry; high-energy and particle astrophysics; extragalactic astronomy, galaxy evolution and cosmology; instrumentation in adaptive optics, optical and infrared spectrographs, radio astronomy, space missions; optical turbulence (learn more about research in Arcetri under "Research").
The fellow is expected to pursue an independent research program in any of the above areas.
Location: INAF-OAA offers a vibrant and scientifically stimulating environment, with more than 70 permanent research staff members and about 30 post-docs and PhD students. Researchers at INAF-OAA are involved with key roles in many of the major international scientific and technological projects, surveys and GTO programs from the ground and from space. INAF-OAA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.
Requirements: A PhD in Astronomy or in Physics or in Chemistry or in Engineering is required by the application deadline.
Start date and duration: It is flexible, with a targeted start in October 2021, but no later than December 31, 2021. The position is tenable for two years. Renewal for a third year is possible depending on performance and availability of funds.
Salary: The gross salary will be of 32,000 ?/year. Research and travel funds will be also available. Employment conditions include social benefits granted according to applicable Italian regulations for public sector employment.
Applications must consist of:
An application form dated and signed by the applicant;
A CV, dated and signed by the applicant;
A list of publications;
A brief statement that describes current and future research plans, in which synergies with the areas of active research at INAF-OAA are highlighted, should the fellowship be awarded;
Two letters of reference;
A copy of a valid identity document.
All material shall be submitted in English.
The application must be submitted electronically
Applicants from outside the EU: Successful applicants who are not citizens of a member country of the European Union must keep in mind that, prior to signing the contract, they must obtain a research visa to enter Italy that can take few months depending on the country of origin of the fellow.
The complete call is available at https://www.arcetri.inaf.it/gare-e-concorsi/182-gare-e-concorsi/concorsi/2577-research-fellowship-arcetri-fellowship-2021-dd22-2021
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| NOIRLab - SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMMER | Closing date: 2021-04-30
Contact: Angelica Junco |
| NSFs National Optical Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab) has an immediate opening for a Scientific Programmer to work with the International Gemini Observatory. The successful candidate will join our international team operating two of the world?s premier ground-based telescopes in Hawaii and Chile. We are looking for a talented individual to become part of the Science User Support Division at NOIRLab. The position will be based, initially, at either Gemini North in Hilo, Hawaii or Gemini South in La Serena, Chile. This is a fixed-term 3-year with possible extension. | | ▸ more | NSFs National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab) is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai?i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.
The Scientific Programmer will join the NOIRLab Science User Support Division, initially developing Python software Python software to support Gemini?s principal investigators in their production of world-class scientific results in a timely manner. In the era of multi-messenger astronomy, Gemini is developing DRAGONS (Data Reduction for Astronomy from Gemini Observatory North and South) (https://github.com/GeminiDRSoftware/DRAGONS) a software suite to provide reliable, automatic reductions of science data. The Scientific Programmer will work on the development, testing, and optimization of DRAGONS core infrastructure and scientific algorithms used to assess the quality of data as it is being obtained, reduce that data for rapid access by a transient follow-up system, and provide end-users with a flexible tool to make customizable non-standard reductions. As both the Gemini Observatory Archive and the DRAGONS data reduction software are critical components of the daily observatory operations, the Scientific Programmer is expected the follow a rigorous software development life cycle from requirements and design documentation, coding standards, test driven development, to the application of quality and configuration control methodology.
Masters degree in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science or related field is required; a PhD degree is preferred. Advanced knowledge of UNIX/Linux, Python, and Object-Oriented principles with at least two years of experience developing Python packages for public distribution is required. Experience performing astronomical data reduction for scientific publication is required. Fluency in English is essential.
Ability to write clear technical documentation and communicate effectively with a diverse community of scientific software users and developers is essential. Familiarity with the Software Development Life Cycle is desirable. Must be able to handle the conflicting demands of development and operations support. Must be able to work in a geographically-distributed team environment.
Experience working as part of a team on a significant python software package is strongly desired. Experience providing user support and troubleshooting at astronomical facilities is preferred. The ability to communicate effectively with a diverse community of scientific software users and developers is also desired. Independence, the ability to embrace challenge, and a sense of curiosity will aid in the successful completion of the essential functions.
If you would like to apply for this opportunity, please submit a resume, cover letter and contact details for three references - from whom letters of reference may be obtained. The cover letter should relate your education and experience to the requirements of the position and include a link (e.g. to a GitHub repository) to a sample of Python code that showcases your ability and illustrates your relevant skills.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The position will remain open until filled but applications received before April 30th, 2021 will receive full consideration. Application materials should be submitted online through the AURA Jobs website: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SPA1004AURA/JobBoard/57b96f30-6a4b-42cc-8f73-d417a17b54e9/?q=&o=postedDateDesc // Reference Code: SCIEN03751
**NOIRLab has all staff working virtually during the COVID-19 crisis. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We will continue to interview and screen candidates in this new virtual landscape. Offers of employment can be extended and arrangements may be made for remote work. Relocation benefits will be available to those eligible when travel can be supported**
At NOIRLab we are committed to diversity and inclusion; our managing organization, AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp
AURA offers competitive salaries based on market rates and a generous package of benefits. Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment @ aura-astronomy.org
The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURAs role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSFs NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.
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| University professorship/department head on "Planerary science with focus on extrasolar planets" | Closing date: 2021-03-18
Contact: Technische Universitaet Berlin |
TU Berlin and DLR annonce a position in the field of "planetary science - exoplanets". This position includes a university professorship on "Planetary Physics with focus on extrasolar planets" at the "Technische Universitaet Berlin" jointly with heading the department "Extrasolar Planets and Atmospheres" at the Institute for Planetary Physics, DLR, Berlin, Germany.
The application deadline is March 18, 2021.
The job advertisement and details on how to apply can be found in the attachment and at: https://tub.stellenticket.de/de/offers/88675 | | ▸ more | The Technische Universitaet Berlin, Faculty II Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) jointly call for applications for a position of a University Professor for the field of Planetary Physics with focus on extrasolar planets as a joint position (Berliner Modell).
The position includes the role of head of the department Extrasolar Planets and Atmospheres at the DLR Institute for Planetary Research, Berlin-Adlershof. The holder of the position represents the area of Planetary Physics with focus on extrasolar planets in teaching at the Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics at TU Berlin. The regular teaching obligation is 2 course hours per week. Working at the DLR fulfils the obligation for research at TU Berlin.
The Institute for Planetary Research engages in the exploration of planets, moons and small bodies in our solar system. Main focus are scientific questions about the formation and development as well as the habitability of planets and moons. The Institute participates in international scientific satellite missions of ESA, NASA and JAXA (amongst others the missions BepiColombo, CHEOPS, Comet Interceptor, ExoMars, JUICE, MMX, PLATO).
In the future this position shall strengthen in particular the connection between the characterization of extrasolar planets and planet populations with the knowledge about planetary evolution processes and small bodies in the solar system.
The application deadline is March 18th, 2021.
The job advertisement, the requirements, and details on how to apply can be found in
https://tub.stellenticket.de/de/offers/88675
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| Galactic X-ray astronomy with eROSITA | Closing date: 2021-03-31
Contact: Joern Wilms |
We seek applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of
Galactic X-ray astronomy, for an anticipated duration of
initially three years (salary scale TV-L E13, at least 2600 EUR
per month after taxes and social security deductions, including
employer contributions to health insurance) | | ▸ more | Duties include leading participation in the scientific quick look
analysis for eROSITA, including multiwavelength follow up
observations, and research in the area of X-ray binaries, with a focus
on eROSITA.
We seek a researcher with a PhD in astronomy or a related field,
preferentially with a background in observational X-ray astronomy
(ideally of compact objects) and programming experience in a compiled
programming language.
Remeis-Observatory (https://www.sternwarte.uni-erlangen.de/remeis-start/about-us/)
is the astronomical institute of Friedrich-Alexander University
Erlangen-Nuremberg and a part of Erlangen Centre for Astroparticle
Physics. The observatory is located in the Unesco world heritage city
of Bamberg.
We value equality and diversity in research and encourage women and
members of other underrepresented groups to apply. By German law, in
case of equivalent qualification preference will be given to people
with disabilities.
Applicants should send a cover letter, CV with list of publications,
and the names of three potential referees to
astro-application @ lists.fau.de, with subject line "eROSITA Postdoc".
Applications received before 31 March 2021 will receive full
consideration. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact J.
Wilms for additional information.
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| Professor of Astronomy at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) | Closing date: 2021-03-31
Contact: Professor Greg Hillhouse |
BIUST is rapidly developing its capabilities in Astronomy towards becoming an internationally-recognized centre of excellence in the subject. The University is already designated as the Host Institution of the Botswana African VLBI Network node as part of the nation?s participation in the Square Kilometer Array project and has ambitious plans to develop both optical and other radio astronomy facilities in conjunction with its international partners. The appointment of a Professor of Astronomy is a key part of this strategy.
| | ▸ more | PROFESSOR OF ASTRONOMY
Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST)
Faculty of Sciences
Department of Physics and Astronomy
The position is tenable at the BIUST and is offered on a fixed term contract of five (5) years
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
BIUST is rapidly developing its capabilities in Astronomy towards becoming an internationally-recognized centre of excellence in the subject. The University is already designated as the Host Institution of the Botswana African VLBI Network node as part of the nation?s participation in the Square Kilometer Array project and has ambitious plans to develop both optical and other radio astronomy facilities in conjunction with its international partners. The appointment of a Professor of Astronomy is a key part of this strategy.
KEY COMPETENCIES/ SKILLS
- In-depth understanding of own specialization to enable the development of new knowledge, innovation and understanding within the field.
- Ability to prepare and submit proposals and applications to external bodies e.g. for funding and accreditation purposes.
- Understanding of academic management structures and their functioning.
- Excellent knowledge of the international academic discipline environment.
- Involvement in professional activities where applicable.
- Effective communication skills.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- A PhD or equivalent in Astronomy or a related field.
- A minimum of ten (10) years? experience (after obtaining PhD degree) in teaching and research at university level.
- A record of recent and continued publications (minimum of 30 publications in reputable, peer-reviewed journals), including evidence of lead-author publications.
- Successful supervision of postgraduate students at Masters and Doctoral Level.
- Record of attracting research grants.
- Engagement in projects/services that benefit the university, profession, and the community.
- Demonstrated and sustained excellent leadership in academic and professional fields.
The University offers an internationally competitive package commensurate with qualification and experience.
If you meet the requirements above, please send your application letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae including at least three (3) recent professional references to;
Director, Human Resources at the email address below.
recruitment.phyastronomy @ biust.ac.bw
Processing of applications will commence on 01 April 2021
The advert is open until filled.
ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE RESPONDED TO.
For any further enquiries, you may call Ms Taolo/ Ms Oleseng at 4931307/ 4931316
For an informal discussion, please contact Professor Greg Hillhouse, Head of Physics and Astronomy by emailing hillhouseg @ biust.ac.bw
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| Closing date: null-null-null
Contact: |
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| PhD study in astronomy, Krakow, Poland | Closing date: 2021-03-29
Contact: Elzbieta Danielkiewicz-Krosniak |
| PhD study in astronomy at Astronomical Observatory of the Jagiellonian University (Kraków, Poland) covers broad range of theoretical and observational research subjects, from analysis of optically variable objects (both stellar and active galactic nuclei), high energy astrophysics and accretion disks, radio astronomy, relativistic astrophysics and cosmology. Candidates eligible for admission to the Astronomy program of study are the holders of Master of Science (Magister, Magister engineer), or equivalent professional title awarded in the field of exact sciences. | | ▸ more | Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences Astronomy at Jagiellonian University (city: Krakow, country: Poland)
PhD study in astronomy covers broad range of theoretical and observational research subjects, from analysis of optically variable objects (like accreting binary stars or active galactic nuclei), high energy astrophysics, multiwavelength astronomy, radio astronomy, relativistic astrophysics and cosmology. Astronomical Observatory of the Jagiellonian University participates in ESO, has access to the SALT optical telescope, collaborates in HESS and CTA projects (gamma-ray astrophysics) as well as in the network of LOFAR radio telescopes array, also participate in the VIRGO gravitational waves detector. Our researches use also several world class Earth bound radio (VLA, 100m Effelsberg) and space (Chandra, XMM, Fermi) observatories.
All interested candidates are welcome to register in our on-line system.
Accepted foreign students will obtain Ph.D. fellowships (equal to the ones provided to the Polish students i.e. approx. 2200* PLN per month, which is 26400 PLN per year), as well as, the health insurance (students from outside EU may be subject of another regulations in that matter).
Based on good progress in a PhD thesis preparation students can apply for support of travels and conference participation. They can also apply for research grants from the Polish Science Foundation.
There is NO tuition fee.
* Costs of living in Poland is significantly lower than in Western European countries.
Registration starts: 15.03.2021
Registration ends: 29.03.2021
Entrance exams: 07.04.2021
Start of studies: October 2021
http://www.oa.uj.edu.pl/Studia_Doktoranckie/stopien3.en.html
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| A study of the winds of evolved cold stars | Closing date: 2021-06-01
Contact: Fabrice Herpin |
| This thesis aims to build a coherent and comprehensive description of the mass-loss mechanism. How are the winds launched and which physical processes determine their properties? How do the mass-loss rate and other wind properties depend on fundamental stellar parameters? What is the origin of the detected magnetic field on the stellar surface? What chemical processes dominate in the winds? Where does the interaction between dynamics and chemical phenomena lie? | | ▸ more | Applications are invited for a Ph.D. student position in Astrophysics at the Laboratoire d?Astrophysique de Bordeaux, Bordeaux University, France.
Project description: Evolved cool stars are major cosmic engines, providing strong mechanical, chemical, and radiative feedback to their host environments. Through strong stellar winds, still poorly understood, they enrich their environment with chemical elements, which are the building blocks of planets and life. A complete understanding of their evolution in the near and distant Universe can only be achieved with detailed knowledge of wind physics over the life cycle of these stars as well as in relation to their circumstellar environment. A complete picture of all the physical processes that simultaneously trigger and shape the strong winds of evolved cold stars is still missing. This thesis is part of Project PEPPER (https://lagrange.oca.eu/fr/welcome-to-anr-pepper), funded by the French Agence Nationale pour la Recherche, aiming to build a coherent and comprehensive description of the mass-loss mechanism, in close collaboration with the ATOMIUM project (https://fys.kuleuven.be/ster/research-projects/aerosol/atomium/atomium). The main questions we endeavour to tackle in this project are: How are the winds launched and which physical processes determine their properties? How do the mass-loss rate and other wind properties depend on fundamental stellar parameters? What is the origin of the detected magnetic field on the stellar surface? What chemical processes dominate in the winds? Where does the interaction between dynamics and chemical phenomena lie? The core of our approach is the synergy between theory and observation in order to obtain a global, coherent vision of the evolved cool stars, from the bottom of the atmosphere up to the circumstellar environment. We will use high-angular resolution observations with SPHERE and MATISSE and observations made quasi-simultaneously with ALMA (all already in hand). For the interpretation, the student will actively participate in the modeling using various codes.
The Ph.D. student will work together with Fabrice Herpin and other PEPPER team members, in close collaboration with the ATOMIUM team. More information on the Laboratoire d?Astrophysique de Bordeaux can be found at https://astrophy.u-bordeaux.fr
The position is a 3-year appointment and requires a University degree in Astronomy or Physics at an advanced level (e.g., a M.Sc. degree), completed by the time of employment. The earliest starting date is 1 October 2021. Applications should include a brief description of research interests and relevant experience, CV, copies of Master?s University grades, certificates and diplomas, B.Sc./M.Sc. thesis/internship (or draft thereof), and contact details for the Master director and internship supervisors. Practical experience with python, numerical simulations of gas dynamics, or with observational data on AGB and RSG stars, will be considered a merit.
The complete announcement is posted at https://lagrange.oca.eu/fr/welcome-to-anr-pepper and the application deadline is 1 June 2021. Applications should be sent to Fabrice Herpin (fabrice.herpin @ u-bordeaux.fr).
For further information, please contact Fabrice Herpin (fabrice.herpin @ u-bordeaux.fr).
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| PhD positions in the German eROSITA consortium | Closing date: 2021-03-31
Contact: Manami Sasaki |
The German eROSITA_DE consortium invites applications for doctoral student positions on X-ray studies of Galactic stellar endpoints. The doctoral candidates will be affiliated to one of the core institutes of the eROSITA_DE consortium:
- Max-Planck-Institute for extraterrestrial Physics (MPE)
- Leibniz-Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam
- Dr Karl Remeis Observatory, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg
- Hamburg Observatory, University of Hamburg
- Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Tübingen. | | ▸ more | The candidates will work on projects related to the Galactic diffuse X-ray emission, supernova remnants, accreting white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes. The preferred starting date is June 1, 2021.
We are looking for highly qualified and highly motivated candidates with a MSc or equivalent degree in Physics or Astronomy, with interest and experience in the above-mentioned research areas. Experience in programming in C, C++, Python (or any equivalent) is desirable. The required knowledge of the English language is level B1 of CEFR or above.
We value equality and diversity in research and encourage women and members of other underrepresented groups to apply. Preference will also be given to people with disabilities in case of equivalent qualification.
The process of hiring the selected candidates will be handled by the central administration of the respective hosting research institute or university. The salary will be based on the German federal public service salary scale (75% of E13 TV-L), amounting to approximately 1950 EUR net per month. The positions include standard unemployment, health, and retirement benefits according to the German law. Successful candidates at the MPE will automatically be part of the IMPRS on Astrophysics at the Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (https://www.imprs-astro.mpg.de).
Please send your application including a cover letter with a short summary of research interest and the preferred starting date, together with a CV, copies of the BSc and MSc diplomas or equivalent, and contact details of two potential referees as a single PDF document in an E-mail to Prof. Dr. Manami Sasaki (astro-application @ lists.fau.de) with the subject: "eROSITA PhD". Applications should be submitted by March 31, 2021.
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| Postdoctoral Research Position - Solar Radio Astronomy with LOFAR and MWA | Closing date: 2021-06-31
Contact: Kamen Kozarev |
| Applications are invited for a Post-doctoral researcher position to work on processing and analyzing advanced low-frequency radio imaging observations of solar coronal shocks and coronal mass ejections from the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) and Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) low-frequency telescopes. The Institute of Astronomy and National Astronomical Observatory (IANAO) of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences will host this three-year position with a preferable starting date in May or June 2021. | | ▸ more | The Institute of Astronomy and National Astronomical Observatory (IANAO) of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences invites applications for a Post-doctoral researcher position to work on processing and analyzing advanced low-frequency radio imaging observations of solar coronal shocks and coronal mass ejections from the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) and Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) low-frequency telescopes.
The postdoctoral researcher will join Dr. Kamen Kozarev and his research group to study the dynamic features of solar eruptions and time-dependent spectra of energetic electron beams in the corona. The researcher will help develop and employ processing pipelines for solar interferometric observations. These data can reveal the locations of charged particle acceleration with great spatial, temporal and frequency resolutions. While such observations have traditionally been challenging, new advanced approaches, together with improved computing technology and software, have made them more accessible for routine investigation of solar activity. Available synergistic EUV and in situ data (from Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter) will also be analyzed.
Requirements:
- Applicants must hold a PhD in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics, with a focus in radio astronomy, heliophysics, or a closely related field. Previous experience in scientific programming in Python, CASA or similar, Linux/Unix environments, version control (svn, git), and work on building processing pipelines will be considered an advantage. The full-time position is available starting on May 1st 2021, or soon thereafter. A very competitive salary and ample conference travel funds are offered.
How to Apply:
- Interested candidates should contact Dr. Kamen Kozarev (kkozarev @ astro.bas.bg), arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to him, and provide a cover letter describing their experience and interests, as well as a curriculum vitae including a list of relevant publications.
Additional Information:
- The position is part of the 5-year CAREER-type project ?Modeling and ObServAtional Integrated Investigations of Coronal Solar Eruptions? (MOSAIICS), funded by the National Science Fund of Bulgaria. The project is led by Assoc. Prof. Kamen Kozarev.
- The overall goal of the MOSAIICS project is to adopt an integrated approach providing a deeper understanding of the plasma processes leading to charged particle acceleration by CMEs near the Sun. The project?s high level objectives are to (i) develop and integrate novel image processing and machine learning techniques to reliably analyze radio and EUV remote imaging observations of CMEs and their shocks; (ii) investigate the origins and evolution of radio emission from energetic electron beams in CMEs, comparing with in situ measurements; (iii) develop and apply advanced global data-driven models of particle acceleration and transport to test and improve our theoretical understanding of SEP production and transport. This postdoctoral position will focus on the second objective.
- The Institute of Astronomy is a leader in astrophysical research in Bulgaria and Southeast Europe. It hosts over 80 researchers working in several areas of astrophysics, namely solar activity and solar system small bodies, stars and stellar systems, galaxies and cosmology. Additionally, IANAO staff have strong expertise in operating and maintaining the National Observatory Rozhen - a dedicated facility in the Rhodopi mountains with a flagship 2-meter reflective optical telescope, as well as a number of smaller research-grade telescopes. IANAO is currently actively developing a radio astronomy research programme, including development of a LOFAR observing station. For more information, visit http://astro.bas.bg.
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| ESA Science Lead of the Planetary Science Archive and Archive Scientist of a Planetary mission | Closing date: 2021-03-16
Contact: Bruno Merín |
ESA is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and active scientist in the area of Planetary Science to act as Science Lead of the Planetary Science Archive (PSA, psa.esa.int) with responsibility for the overall scientific coordination of the PSA, and as Archive Scientist for one of ESA's planetary missions.
Full announcement:
https://career2.successfactors.eu/career?career%5fns=job%5flisting&company=esa&navBarLevel=JOB%5fSEARCH&rcm%5fsite%5flocale=en%5fGB&career_job_req_id=11884&selected_lang=en_GB&jobAlertController_jobAlertId=&jobAlertController_jobAlertName=&_s.crb=xQZUW | | ▸ more | ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. For this purpose, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
Eligibility: Only citizens of ESA member states or countries associated with ESA are eligible.
Location: European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) Villafranca del Castillo, Madrid, Spain
Description:
You will be assigned as Science Lead of the Planetary Science Archive (PSA, psa.esa.int) with responsibility for the overall scientific coordination of the PSA, and will be Archive Scientist for one of the ESA planetary missions.
You will report hierarchically to the Science Archives Development and Operations Manager and, as Archive Scientist for one of the ESA planetary missions, you will report functionally to the Project Scientist and Science Operations Development Manager or Mission Manager of the mission concerned.
Duties:
As Science Lead of the Planetary Science Archive (PSA), your main duties will include:
Defining the strategic vision for the PSA, in coordination with the Archives Mission Scientist and in line with the Department?s overall strategy for the archives;
Interfacing with all relevant stakeholders from planetary missions, including the PSA Users Group, to ensure long-term preservation of the data and to encourage the use of multi-mission data for planetary science research;
Providing, in cooperation with all planetary archive scientists, scientific development priorities for the PSA, taking into account mission-specific as well as general purpose requirements and constraints;
Contributing actively to the ESAC Science Data Centre reporting and outreach activities, in collaboration with the Archives Mission Scientist and the other Archive Science Leads;
Representing ESA and actively promoting cooperation at planetary scientific conferences, fora, workshops, and reviews, as well as at the International Planetary Data Alliance and with external partner space agencies and organisations;
Acting as Archive Scientist for all ESA planetary legacy missions.
As Archive Scientist, you will be responsible for definition and specification of the Planetary Scientific Archive for one of the ESA planetary missions and for the follow-up and monitoring of its implementation and operation with the goal of maximising the scientific return of the mission. The main duties will include:
Assuming the ownership of use cases and drivers for the mission archive;
Monitoring the implementation, testing and performance of the archive, prior to its release to the scientific community;
Supervising and coordinating the definition and provision of science data products and higher-level data products from the community or Instrument Teams;
Liaising with any internal and external providers to ensure completeness of all levels of data products, contributing to the optimisation and refinement of the archive products when possible;
Organising, where required, peer reviews for the assessment and evaluation of the archive?s products and documentation;
Supporting the scientific community through a helpdesk;
Encouraging the science exploitation of mission data products through archive use;
Contributing to the strategy for and promotion of the ESA Science Archives.
As a member of the science faculty, you will be expected to conduct independent research, based in particular on ESA archival data.
Technical competencies:
Ability to lead disciplinary and inter-disciplinary groups of top experts
Science operations development, in particular regarding data management and archiving systems
Experience in interfacing with external parties, especially the scientific community and Principal Investigator teams
Breadth of exposure coming from past and/or current research/activities
Background in one or more of the following domains: solar systems science, astrophysics, space science (astrophysics, planetary and solar system), computer science
Broad knowledge of scientific discipline, including strategic vision of the area Planetary Science
Applicants for this post should have a PhD or equivalent in planetary science, followed by at least five years's research experience.
Candidates should have:
the potential to manage individuals or a team of experts;
the ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
the ability to drive their team?s performance, developing their people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
a strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused.
People management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.
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