Applications are invited for one postdoctoral position at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center (NCAC), in Warsaw, Poland, to work on Galactic archaeology with focus on chemical tagging.
The successful applicant will join a team led by Dr Rodolfo Smiljanic working on the project “Playing CHESS with stars" (https://users.camk.edu.pl/rsmiljanic/chess/) funded by the National Science Center (Sonata Bis 9, nr 2019/34/E/ST9/00133). The overall project aims at developing a new and innovative system for the large scale analysis of stellar spectroscopic data. The "CHEmical Survey analysis System" (CHESS) will combine machine learning ideas with the traditional radiative transfer modelling of stellar spectra.
We seek a resourceful and creative researcher who can explore and propose new ideas for investigating the possibilities and limitations of chemical tagging using large datasets of detailed stellar chemical abundances. The post-doc will also collaborate with other team members on the development of the new chemical analysis system.
Applications are welcome from candidates with background in any aspect of observational, theoretical, or computational stellar or Galactic astrophysics. The ideal candidate has solid programming skills and previous experience on the application of machine learning methods to astrophysical data. Previous research experience on any of the following topics would be an asset: Galactic archaeology, chemical evolution of the Galaxy, chemical abundances in late-type stars, or stellar nucleosynthesis.
The position is offered for 16 months. The preferred starting date is September 2024 but is to some extent negotiable.
The salary of the successful candidate will be competitive and comparable to that of Polish researchers in the same career stage, exceeding PLN 8000 gross per month, and a travel budget is available.
Candidates are expected to have a valid PhD degree in astronomy/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), with the subject "Postdoctoral position on Galactic Archaeology", to: recruitment@camk.edu.pl by May 31st, 2024, 23:59 CET.
Review of the applications shall commence immediately after that and short-listed candidates may 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);
(4) a scan of the signed GDPR form (NCN GDPR document available at: https://www.camk.edu.pl/en/about/ochrona-danych-osobowych/)
In addition, at least two letters of recommendation should be arranged and sent directly by their authors to the same e-mail address above.
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).
Questions about the position can be sent to: rsmiljanic@camk.edu.pl
