Applications are invited for 2 data manager positions (equivalent to a post-doc position) at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CAMK PAN), in Warsaw, Poland, in the field of extragalactic distance scale.
Job description
In the course of one of our multiple projects we will collect a huge amount of multicolour photometry, high-resolution spectroscopy, and interferometic observations data for several thousand targets. These data will complement data from cosmic mission (Gaia, TESS, Kepler, JWST) and will allow us to calibrate several methods for precision distance measurements. This will pave the way for a geometrical distance measurements to a number of galaxies (M31, M33, IC 1613, WLM) having a significant metallicity range (+0.1 to -1 dex) at the 1% level and calibrate the extragalactic distance scale at the level of 1%.
In order to fully realise the above described plans for comprehensive data analysis and dissemination, it is necessary to create two data manager positions. The successful candidates will work with prof. Grzegorz Pietrzynski and his international team as members of the Araucaria Group (https://araucaria.camk.edu.pl/) planning and executing observations (including those at Cerro Murphy Observatory in Chile), reducing and analyzing the obtained photometric data.
Benefits
The position will be funded from the grant entitled “Development and maintenance of an international astrophysical observatory”, implemented within the framework of the programme "Support for Participation of Polish Scientific Teams in International Research Infrastructure Projects", agreement number 2024/WK/02. The persons employed will be members of the international Araucaria Group (https://araucaria.camk.edu.pl/) with guaranteed access to many telescopes. Observing expeditions and extended research visits to our partner institutions in Chile, France and Germany will be possible. Furthermore, the Araucaria Group has access to all telescopes located in Chile. It also operates a dedicated observatory – Cerro Murphy Observatory in Chile, which hosts 5 small telescopes (0.6-1.5m), located by the construction place of the 40-m ELT. Exceptional weather conditions make this observatory an excellent tool for long term monitoring of variety of distance indicators. In 2025, a 2.5 m telescope is scheduled to be constructed in our observatory, together with several modern instruments, within the framework of the ERC project. Therefore, candidates with observing / instrumental skills would find an excellent environment for their scientific development.
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 applicants 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. They can also profit from the relocation costs reimbursement scheme according to CAMK PAN internal rules.
The successful applicants who are not citizen of a member country of the European Union must keep in mind that, prior to signing the contract, they must obtain a residence and work permit or visa (according to rules established between Poland and the country of the applicant origin).
Position and requirements description
The data manager positions are offered for 1 year with a possibility of extension up to 4 years . The preferred starting date for the position is November 1st 2024, but it is to some extent negotiable.
Form of employment: employment contract
Place of employment: CAMK PAN, Warsaw, Poland. Hybrid or home office modes are possible.
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;
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 “Data manager position” to recruitment@camk.edu.pl by August 26th, 2024, 23:59 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.
