Applications are invited for two postdoctoral positions at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center (NCAC), in Warsaw, Poland, to work on a comprehensive spectroscopic study of metal-poor stars.
The successful applicants will join the team led by Dr Rodolfo Smiljanic and work on the project “The old Milky Way: a holistic approach to an accurate analysis of metal-poor stars”, funded by an OPUS-LAP grant of the Polish National Science Center, nr 2022/47/I/ST9/02358. The project is an international collaboration with a team lead by Prof. Norbert Christlieb of the Center for Astronomy, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
The overall project aim (https://ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/listy-rankingowe/2022-09-15-opu8jisl/streszczenia/569800-en.pdf) is to develop a holistic analysis methodology that can be applied to spectra of metal-poor stars obtained by different instruments and return results that are on a single, consistent scale. The results will be used for a meticulous study of the properties of the first nucleosynthesis sources of stellar origin in the Universe and to reconstruct the early chemical evolution of our Galaxy.
One position will focus on the analysis of flux-calibrated spectra from ground- and space-based telescopes and investigate spectrophotometric methods to determine stellar atmospheric parameters. This postdoc will also join the CUBES consortium and contribute with spectra simulations. Solid experience in some of the following topics would be assets: astronomical instrumentation, spectrophotometry, stellar spectroscopy.
The second position will focus on the analysis of low-resolution spectra and investigate machine learning methods that can be applied to the analysis of stellar spectra. This postdoc will also collaborate on work related to 4MOST. Solid experience in some of the following topics would be assets: machine learning applied to the analysis of stellar spectra, Galactic archaeology, stellar spectroscopy.
We seek resourceful and creative researchers who can explore and propose new ideas for the accurate analysis of metal-poor stars. Applications are welcome from candidates with background in any aspect of observational, theoretical, or computational stellar or Galactic astrophysics. The ideal candidates have good knowledge of English and solid programming skills. We treasure diversity in the team and strive to foster an inclusive environment where anyone can feel welcome and valued regardless of background or identity.
Each position will be for 3 years. The starting date is negotiable but could be as early as April of 2024.
The gross monthly salary will be of around 9.400 PLN and a travel budget is available.
Candidates are expected to have a valid PhD degree in astronomy or astrophysics obtained within 7 years from the date of starting the employment (career breaks such as for maternity/paternity leave can be taken into account).
The application should be sent by e-mail (as pdf files) to recruitment@camk.edu.pl by January 31st, 2024, 23:59 CET.
Review of the applications shall commence immediately after that and short-listed candidates will be invited for interviews.
Candidates should submit the following documents:
(1) a copy of their PhD diploma or a binding statement of its date of completion,
(2) a CV including the list of publications,
(3) a short statement of research achievements and interests (maximum 3 pages). Candidates may indicate which of the two positions is preferred;
(4) a scan of the signed GDPR form (NCN GDPR document available at: https://www.camk.edu.pl/media/uploads_current/o_instytucie/rodo/rodo_deklaracja_ncn_ang.pdf),
In addition, at least two letters of recommendation should be arranged and sent directly by their authors to the same e-mail address above.
Questions about the position can be sent to: rsmiljanic@camk.edu.pl
