Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (NCAC PAS), the leading astronomical institute in Poland.
We seek a candidate specializing in developing the numerical code which computes radiative transfer through atmospheres in accreting sources (X-ray binaries and active galaxies), as well as in development of theoretical models of physical processes around compact objects.
The selected candidate will do research within the OPUS project, nr 2021/41/B/ST9/04110, financed by National Science Center, titled: X-ray fingerprints in accreting compact objects, led by prof. Agata Różańska. Generous funding for travel and excellent working environment is secured.
Specific tasks include the development of new code on broad band emission from stratified accretion disk with Compton scattering, all atomic data, external illumination and mechanical heating. As an output, we will achieve an angle dependent ray traced spectra (1 st fingerprint) from the Comptonized medium stratified by radiation pressure, with soft X-ray excess (2 nd fingerprint) and fluorescent iron line (3 rd fingerprint) computed self consistently with the proper treatment of thermal instabilities cased by illumination, and taking into account gravitational force caused by nearby BH.
At the moment of employment, candidates are expected to have a valid Ph.D. degree in astronomy or physics, obtained not earlier than 7 years before the date of starting the employment (career breaks such as for maternity/paternity leave can be taken into account). Good command of English to enable efficient communication with the team and preparation of scientific reports and publications.
The selection criteria include:
1) the candidate's research achievements including publications in prestigious academic press /journals (50% of the final score);
2) research-related achievements, scholarships, awards and research experience gained in Poland or abroad, research workshops and training courses, participation in research projects (20% of the final score);
3) the candidate’s competence to carry out specific tasks in the research project (30% of the final score).
The successful candidate is expected to start his/her employment on October 2nd, 2023, but it is to some extent negotiable. The position is initially awarded for 2 years, with a possibility of extension. The salary will be commensurate to that of Polish researchers at the same career stage, exceeding PLN 8000 gross per month.
Documents (in pdf format) should be submitted by e-mail, with a subject “OPUS Post-doc position in Astrophysics”, to recruitment@camk.edu.pl and they must include:
- a copy of the PhD diploma;
- CV including the list of publications;
- resume with statement of research interests and plans (c.a. 3500 characters),
- a scan of the signed NCN GDPR document available here;
- applicants should also arrange for two recommendation letters to be sent directly to the same e-mail address.
Application deadline: September 13th, 2023
The review of the applications will begin soon after this date and short-listed candidates will be invited for interviews.
The candidates will be informed about the selection results before September 21st, 2023.
For additional information, please contact Agata Różańska (e-mail: agata@camk.edu.pl).
