Research Assistant in particle astrophysics in International Research Agenda AstroCeNT: Particle Astrophysics Science and Technology Centre

Application deadline: 22 January 2020

Please apply only via email – All material should be sent to office@astrocent.pl

Link to the job offer on Euraxess

Applications are invited for two research assistant positions in the field of computer science at AstroCeNT, a new international Center of Excellence in Particle Astrophysics in Warsaw, Poland (see below for more information).

Successful candidates will be initially employed as technical staff members, and their employment status will be changed to PhD Student as soon as they are enrolled in a doctoral program.

Successful applicants will be expected to join the “Scientific Computing & Information Technology Group” led by Professor Piotr Gawron, and to engage in research on development of quantum and classical machine learning methods in variety of topics such as: quantum-classical energy based models, quantum-classical neural networks, and large scale quantum computation. The scope of applications covers data analysis obtained from Earth observations imagery, direct dark matter detection experiments and gravitational waves measurements. The position will be based at AstroCeNT in Warsaw, Poland. We are seeking applicants that received their MSc. in computer science (quantum computation, machine learning, signal processing), applied mathematics or physics (quantum information and computation, condensed matter theory, statistical physics) within the past 2 years. In particular, we look for applicants with experience in data analysis, numerical programming and scientific computation. The position is available immediately. The initial term is for two years with an option of renewal if mutually agreed. The assistants will have an opportunity to work on a PhD thesis in order to obtain a PhD degree in Information and communication technology.

Complete applications received before January 22, 2020, will receive full consideration; however, applications received after that date will be also considered until the positions are filled.

AstroCeNT — Particle Astrophysics Science and Technology Centre — was established on 1 July 2018 following an award of nearly 38 million PLN (nearly 9M Euro, over 10M USD) within the framework of the International Research Agendas Programme of Foundation of Polish Science.

At AstroCeNT, research is focused primarily on the areas of the detection of gravitational waves and dark matter using advanced technological instruments, whose development will be among the prime areas of activity of the Center. However, it is planned to engage in other areas of theoretical and experimental research in particle astrophysics, beyond gravitational waves and dark matter.

AstroCeNT has developed close collaborative links with several institutions in Europe and outside, in particular with our strategic partners APC (Astroparticle and Cosmology Laboratory) in Paris and the McDonald Institute in Canada. More collaborations are being established.

Currently AstroCeNT comprises six international research groups of physicists and engineers:

1. SiPM Systems for Astroparticle Physics and Medical Physics (leader: Dr Marcin Kuźniak);
2. Seismic Sensors (leader: Professor Tomasz Bulik);
3. Electronics and Data Acquisition and Processing (leader: TBA);
4. Ultrapure SiPMs and Associated Readout Electronics (leader: Dr Masayuki Wada);
5. Scientific Computing & Information Technology (leader: Professor Piotr Gawron);
6. Particle Astrophysics (leader: Professor Leszek Roszkowski).

Expansion to other activities in the field will be considered in the future. In about two years the Center is expected to reach the size of about 30 researchers, including group leaders, their teams, PhD students and visitors working in an international, English-speaking environment. The Center is led by Professor Leszek Roszkowski.

AstroCeNT is formally a new administrative division of Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (http://www.camk.edu.pl) – an internationally leading institute in astronomy and astrophysics.

AstroCeNT is conveniently located in the city center, with easy access from rail stations and airports. The center occupies a suite of spacious and modern labs and offices on the top floor of the CZIiTT building of the Warsaw University of Technology in order to foster communication and cooperation with local engineers and physicists, and to enhance scientific and academic environment. The site is also well connected with Physics Department of Warsaw University and the main site of the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center and other research institutes in Warsaw.

Key responsibilities include:

1. To be open to co-operation with the other research teams at AstroCeNT.
2. To perform research in quantum computation, machine learning, signal processing.
3. To be prepared to apply for grants.

Profile of candidates:

1. Ability to work and collaborate in research teams in a competitive environment.

2. Potential to attract grant funding.

3. Past participation in research welcomed.

Remuneration: Gross monthly salary of 6 300 PLN, including social and health insurance and tax.

Job type: Employment contract

Maximum period of contract: 24 months (with a possibility to extend to 36 months)

Position starts on 2 February 2020.

Required documents:

1. curriculum vitae,
2. statement of research interests,
3. publication list – optionally,
4. photocopy of Masters diploma,
5. copy of Master thesis (if not confidential),
6. at least one, preferably two or more, letters of reference,
7. scan of signed GDPD form (available from https://www.camk.edu.pl/en/about/ochrona-danych-osobowych/#rodocent).

All the material should be sent by email to: office@astrocent.pl.

More information can be obtained from Prof. Leszek Roszkowski (roszkowski@camk.edu.pl) or Prof. Piotr Gawron (gawron@camk.edu.pl).

We offer:

1. Stimulating, international, English speaking research environment in a new center of excellence;
2. Possibility to develop frontline research in quantum computation and machine learning applications;
3. Funding for research, travel and basic equipment;
4. Scientific, organizational and technical support, including standard research facilities.

Apply now