Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center invites applicants for a PhD programme in astronomy and astrophysics leading to a PhD degree. The research is related to two projects funded by National Science Centre (PI: prof. Andrzej Baran, Pedagogical University, Kraków) and focused on pulsating subdwarf B stars.
1/ "The evolution and instability strip of hot subdwarfs in two old open clusters" (Advisors: Andrzej Baran & Gerald Handler) A student will make analysis of space photometric data of two old open clusters and take necessary ground spectroscopic data along with analysis. The space data are already collected by the Kepler spacecraft, while the spectroscopic data will likely be taken from a 2m+ class telescopes. Next, the student will analyze both pulsating and binary stars found in the clusters and will draw conclusions on the formation and instability strip of pulsating subdwarf B stars located in those clusters. The student will publish the results in scientific journals of international standing and will present those results during scientific conferences dedicated to the research in question. Applicants with knowledge and skills related to open clusters, photometric and spectroscopic data and python scripting will be preferred. The suggested title of the dissertation: "Photometric and spectroscopic analyses of NGC6791 and NGC6819".
2/ "Demystifying hot subdwarf B stars using Kepler, TESS and GAIA space data" (Advisor: Andrzej Baran & Gerald Handler) A student will make analysis of pulsating subdwarf B stars observed with space satellites, including Kepler, TESS and GAIA. In addition, some support from ground SOLARIS telescopes will likely be possible. The student will draw conclusions on stellar population and instability strips of pulsating subdwarf B stars. The student will publish the results in scientific journals of international standing and will present those results during scientific conferences dedicated to the research in question. Applicants with knowledge and skills related to space-borne observatories, with a particular emphasis on GAIA satellite, photometric data and python scripting will be preferred. The suggested title of the dissertation: "A population study of pulsating subdwarf B stars".
Candidates should first contact prof. Andrzej Baran (andrzej.baran@up.krakow.pl) to discuss the details of the topics. The positions will be fully funded by prof. Baran's research grant. Funding includes the fellowships and travel budgets. Candidates should provide their complete application documents including their correspondence and e-mail address and a work plan for the first year of studies (agreed with prof. Baran) by September 26th, 2018. Applications should be sent in a pdf format to: phdstudies@camk.edu.pl. Detailed information on the form and contents of the application is given in the Attachment No 1 to the Regulations of NCAC Doctorate Studies in the web page.
Decision about admission will be made by the end of September, 2018 and all the candidates will be notified by e-mail. For additional information concerning the application procedure contact the PhD Program Director, prof. Pawel Moskalik (pam@camk.edu.pl).
