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| Postdoctoral Researcher in 21-cm Cosmology and Data Analysis for the Epoch of Reionization | Closing date: 2026-09-30
Contact: Florent Mertens |
| We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance the search for the redshifted 21-cm signal from the Cosmic Dawn and Epoch of Reionization. The project will develop and apply new signal-recovery and foreground-mitigation methods to deep NenuFAR and LOFAR observations, with the goal of improving current constraints and moving toward a first detection. The work will directly feed into preparation for SKA-Low, within a team strongly involved in NenuFAR, LOFAR-EoR and SKA 21-cm science. | | ▸ more | Project
The detection and characterisation of the redshifted 21-cm signal from the Cosmic Dawn and Epoch of Reionization is one of the major goals of current low-frequency radio astronomy. NenuFAR and LOFAR are now providing increasingly deep observations targeting this signal, while SKA-Low will soon open a new regime of sensitivity.
The successful candidate will join the NenuFAR Cosmic Dawn and LOFAR-EoR projects and contribute to extracting the maximum cosmological information from these observations. A central challenge is to distinguish the faint 21-cm signal from astrophysical foregrounds and residual instrumental effects, which remain orders of magnitude brighter.
The project will develop new approaches to this problem, building on the signal-separation techniques already developed within the LOFAR and NenuFAR teams, including ML-GPR, while providing substantial freedom to investigate new ideas. The aim is both to improve the robustness and sensitivity of current NenuFAR and LOFAR analyses and to develop the methods that will be needed to exploit SKA-Low observations.
Activity
The work will involve formulating, testing and comparing new approaches to 21-cm signal recovery using low-frequency radio-interferometric data. Possible directions include improved modelling of astrophysical foregrounds and instrumental systematics, exploiting their spectral and temporal structure, and using realistic simulations to develop and validate new analysis strategies.
These developments will first be evaluated on simulations and may then be applied to NenuFAR Cosmic Dawn and/or LOFAR-EoR data. The successful candidate will contribute to the scientific interpretation of the results, their publication in international journals, their presentation at conferences, and interactions with the NenuFAR, LOFAR-EoR and SKA CD/EoR collaborations.
Candidate Profile
Applicants must hold a PhD in astrophysics, radio astronomy, signal processing, statistics, machine learning, or a related field.
Experience in data analysis, statistical modelling, signal processing, AI, or radio astronomy will be particularly relevant. Experience with LOFAR, NenuFAR, MWA, HERA, SKA, or Bayesian inference would be an asset but is not required.
Applications from candidates with backgrounds in signal processing, statistics, AI, or astrophysical data analysis are encouraged.
Research Environment
The position will be based at LUX, within the Cosmology and Galaxies team, which brings together expertise in radio data analysis, artificial intelligence, statistical inference and simulations of the 21-cm signal, including with the LICORICE code. The successful candidate will work under the scientific supervision of Florent Mertens and will be integrated into the NenuFAR Cosmic Dawn and LOFAR-EoR projects, in an international environment directly connected to SKA science preparation.
Position and Benefits
The appointment is for 24 months, with an expected starting date of 1 January 2027. The gross salary is €3,131–€4,341 per month, depending on experience.
Benefits include 44 days of annual leave, health coverage through the French national social security system complemented by employer-supported supplementary health insurance, 75% reimbursement of public-transport commuting costs, and a sustainable mobility allowance of up to €300 per year.
How to Apply
Applications should include a CV, a cover letter, a short research statement, and the names and contact details of two or three referees who may provide a recommendation.
Applications must be submitted through the CNRS Job Portal:
https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR8262-ELIBLA-005/Default.aspx?lang=EN
Application deadline: 30 September 2026.
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