Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center invites applications for astronomy and astrophysics PhD studies
The Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center (CAMK PAN), a leading institute of the GeoPlanet Doctoral School, offers the opportunity to carry out graduate studies leading to a PhD degree in astronomy. The PhD studies are related to subjects pursued at CAMK PAN including observational and theoretical astrophysics as well as cosmology. Our senior scientists participate in the H.E.S.S., CTA, Hyper-Kamiokande, GADMC, DarkSide, LUMI-Q, and VIRGO/LIGO/Kagra, ET and EGO projects and are involved in instrumental projects concerning the astronomical satellites eROSITA, ARCUS and ATHENA. CAMK PAN represents the Polish astronomical community in the SALT consortium which operates an 11-m optical telescope in South Africa. The Center's scientists are leading participants in the Polish scientific satellite project, BRITE, dedicated to precise stellar brightness measurements, and in the project ARAUCARIA, dedicated to the calibration of the cosmological distance scale. They also operate Cerro Murphy Observatory in Chile and SOLARIS – a network of southern hemisphere small robotic telescopes committed to stellar astronomy, the search for exoplanets, and quantum satellite communication.
Studies last 4 years and begin on October 1, 2024 (for the present call, a later starting date is possible). During the 4-year period, students are required to take specific courses, lectures (including interdisciplinary lectures) and participate in seminars, as well as prepare the doctoral thesis. All seminars and lectures are in English. The regulations of the doctoral school, including the program of the Studies, are posted on on the CAMK PAN web page.
Students based in Warsaw may apply for accommodation in the student house run by our Center.
An information about the proposed research topic is attached to this announcement. Single position is available. Before applying, candidates should contact their potential supervisor to obtain more details on the proposal (dr Andre Cortez, acortez@camk.edu.pl or prof. Marcin Kuźniak, mkuzniak@camk.edu.pl).
Students in the doctoral school receive a scholarship for the period of 4 years. The minimum amount of scholarship is set in the Law on higher education and science and is 3466,90 PLN/month, gross (ca. 3077 PLN/month net), before the mid-term evaluation (years 1–2) and 5340,90 PLN/month, gross (ca. 4740 PLN/month, net), after the positive mid-term evaluation (years 3–4). For details of grant funding, see project description below.
For the application, candidates should provide their complete application documents including:
All documents should be in the PDF format, including scans, and should be submitted via
by September 15th, 2024. In the online system, choose "Register" and "Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center, Polish Academy of Sciences". After giving your consents, you will be able to enter your data and upload your application documents and select a topic (note: even though there is only one topic, it should be marked at the end of the registration process). After uploading the documents you should receive an email confirmation.
In addition to application documents given above, at least one recommendation letter should be sent directly by the referee to: phdstudies@camk.edu.pl, before the application deadline (September 15th).
The Recruitment Board will select candidates for the interview, which will take place September 23rd – 27th, 2024 (9 am – 4 pm, CEST). Decisions about admission will be made by the end of September 2024 and all the candidates will be notified by e-mail. For additional information contact the coordinator of the doctoral school, Dr. Radosław Smolec (smolec@camk.edu.pl) or the Center’s secretary office (Mrs. Katarzyna Morawska, kasia@camk.edu.pl).
Warsaw, August 8th, 2024
Attachment: Proposed topic of PhD thesis:
Supervisors: dr André Cortez (Astrocent/CAMK PAN; contact: acortez@camk.edu.pl) and dr hab. Marcin Kuźniak (Astrocent/CAMK PAN; contact: mkuzniak@camk.edu.pl)
Understanding of delayed (spurious) emissions in dual-phase Time Projection Chamber (TPC) detectors for rare-event searches has been gaining relevance over the past years as Dark Matter (DM) experiments turn their attention to low-mass candidates. The goal of this project is to characterize and mitigate the delayed (spurious) emission taking place at the gas-liquid interface in dual-phase TPCs, one of the most important backgrounds in direct low-mass DM searches. To do so, the successful applicant will explore the detectors available at Astrocent (Warsaw, Poland), a cryogenic setup and a dual-phase TPC. A novel optical amplification structure based on Micropattern Gas Detectors (MPGDs) technology will be developed incorporating wavelength-shifting materials to maximize the light collection and simplify the WLS process (for which Astrocent/CAMK PAN is a driving force). Incorporating in the design of the WLS FAT-GEMs recent contributions made in MPGD technology it is expected that this work will not only mitigate the occurrence of such events but open the possibility to scale-up DM detectors and improve sensitivity of DM experiments, namely in terms of low mass (below 10 GeV/c2 mass).
Tasks description
The duties of the successful applicant will involve work on simulation of novel optical amplification structures (WLS FAT-GEMs), construction and testing of optical amplification structures (WLS FAT-GEMs). Participation in the experimental measurements (assembly of the experimental setup, testing and data taking). Data analysis: including the evaluation of pulse shape discrimination of background events (delayed emission events). Characterization of delayed (spurious) emission in dual-phase TPCs and development/ testing of techniques to mitigate their occurrence.
Requirements
The main requirement for this position is the possession of a valid MSc degree in physics or equivalent at the start of the project (e.g. astronomy, mathematics or engineering). Good knowledge of English and experience with programming, analysis of experimental data and Monte Carlo simulation will be required: good programming skills in C++ or python, optionally, familiarity with ROOT or Geant4. Knowledge of radiation detectors and their working principle will also be an advantage.
Location: Warsaw
Funding: Grant fellowship: 5.000 PLN/month, gross, to 5.340 PLN/month, gross (pre and after mid-term evaluation), for 36 months with possible extension to 48 months.
Note: A single position is available.
Understanding delayed (spurious) emission mechanisms in dual-phase TPCs for Dark Matter searches
