Applications are invited for 1 post-doctoral position at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CAMK PAN), in Warsaw, Poland, in the field of cosmic distances.
Job description
The successful applicant will work with prof. Grzegorz Pietrzynski and the Araucaria team members on data-driven project on calibrating different types of distance indicators (pulsating stars, TRGB, JAGB, etc) based on our geometric distance measurements to several nearby galaxies. Then the new calibrations will be applied to calibrate the whole extragalactic distance scale with much better precision and accuracy. The expected results will have a strong impact on several fields of modern astrophysics including the famous Hubble tension problem. The project will include analysis of ground-based and space photometric data and high-resolution spectra. Experience in stellar astrophysics research (especially in the area of binary/multiple stars), analysis of photometric and spectroscopic data as well as programming skills are strongly desirable. The successful applicant will be also encouraged to develop and pursue independent research program in the broad collaboration with a research team and in the line of the whole project.
The position will be funded from the European Research Council Synergy grant, agreement no 951549 “Sub-percent calibration of the extragalactic distance scale in the era of big surveys” - UniverScale. The successful applicant will be a member of the international Araucaria Group (https://araucaria.camk.edu.pl/). Observing expeditions and extended research visits to our partner institutions in Chile, France and Germany will be possible. Furthermore, CAMK PAN operates a collection of telescopes located at Rolf Chini Cerro Murphy Observatory in Chile (https://araucaria.camk.edu.pl/index.php/observatory-cerro-murphy/), just in front of the construction place of the ELT. Exceptional weather conditions make this observatory an excellent tool for implementing research projects. The Araucaria team operates five telescopes there (0.6 – 1.5 m). A 2.5 m telescope with a range of instruments is planned to be constructed within the framework of the UniverScale project in 2025. Therefore, candidates with observing / instrumental skills would find an excellent environment for their scientific development.
Benefits
CAMK PAN is the leading astrophysical institute in Poland, hosting about 50 staff researchers and 30 PhD students. CAMK PAN scientists participate in many international projects. The research lines in CAMK, possibilities to develop career for young researchers, and life at the institute are presented in three movies available here.
CAMK PAN is an equal-opportunity employer and supports equal opportunities and diversity in its personnel policy.
The successful applicant will be offered an employment contract with excellent salary and working conditions. The employment contract embraces social security, public medical care and participation in national pension scheme as well as access to non-public medical care and sports activities co-financed by the employer. She/he can also profit from the relocation costs reimbursement scheme according to CAMK PAN internal rules.
The successful applicant who is not citizen of a member country of the European Union must keep in mind that, prior to signing the contract, she/he must obtain a residence and work permit or visa (according to rules established between Poland and the country of the applicant origin).
Number of available positions: 1
Time and form of engagement: employment contract for 1 year with a possibility of extension up to 2 more years. The preferred starting date for the position is 1st of October 2024, but it is to some extent negotiable.
Place of employment: CAMK PAN, Warsaw, Poland
Requirements to be met by candidates include the following:
1) PhD degree in physics or astronomy (eligibility criterium at the time of employment, not at the time of application submission so applicants can apply before getting the degree);
2) proven publication record;
3) experience in working on binary systems;
4) very good programming skills;
5) good command of English to enable efficient communication with the team and preparation of scientific reports and publications;
6) additional assets: enthusiasm for work, independence, high personal culture, ability to work in a team.
The selection criteria include (equally weighted):
1) qualifications;
2) professional experience (including informally acquired experience) and experience in supervising scientific research conducted by junior colleagues;
3) mobility related to scientific, organizational and teaching experience.
Applying candidates should submit the following documents (in pdf format):
1) a copy of the PhD diploma;
2) a scientific curriculum vitae detailing research, teaching and organisational activities and a list of publications including the most important ones;
3) scan of printed and signed information clause available here (PDF format);
4) other documents proving the fulfilment of the competition criteria;
5) short statement of research achievements and scientific plans (maximum 2 pages);
6) two support letters.
The above mentioned documents should be submitted by e-mail with a subject “UniverScale Post-doc position 2” to recruitment@camk.edu.pl by June 30st, 2024, 23:00 CET as the latest.
Questions about the position can be sent to: prof. Grzegorz Pietrzynski pietrzyn@camk.edu.pl (PI of the project) and/or Ksenia Kempa kkempa@camk.edu.pl the coordinator of the project.
The selection of candidates will be executed by a 4-member selection committee in accordance with the “Resolution of the Scientific Council of the Copernicus Astronomical Centre of the Polish Science Academy (CAMK PAN) on establishing the regulations for the competition for positions of scientific employees at CAMK PAN”. Shortlisted candidates can expect an invitation for a zoom interview.
The review of applications will begin soon after the deadline and continue until the position is filled.
Complaints on the competition results shall be presented by e-mail to recruitment@camk.edu.pl within 3 days after receiving the information on the outcomes of the recruitment process and they will be taken up by the selection committee right after this deadline.
