Postdoc in particle astrophysics at AstroCeNT – Research Group 2: Seismic Sensors

Application deadline: 15 August 2020

Link to the job offer on Euraxess

Applications are invited for three postdoctoral positions in the Seismic Sensors group at AstroCeNT, a new international Center of Excellence in Particle Astrophysics in Warsaw, Poland (see below for more information).

Successful applicants will be expected to engage in experimental research in in gravitational waves, development of seismic and environmental sensors,  as well as in related topics of astronomy and particle physics. We are seeking for applicants that received their PhD in engineering, geology, geophysics, physics or astronomy within the last 5 years. In particular, we look for applicants with experience in data acquisition, data analysis or experimental  setup. The successful applicants will work in the Seismic Sensors group led by Prof. Bulik. The group is a part of the Virgo collaboration and takes part in the preparation activities for the Einstein Telescope.

The current projects include: development of data analysis tools for seismic sensors, development of a mobile seismic and environmental sensor, development of infra sound monitoring for gravitational wave observatories, and investigation of fiber networks as seismic sensors.

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: Dr Mariusz Suchenek);
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. The Center is expected to reach the size of about 40 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 a modern building (https://www.cziitt.pw.edu.pl/?lang=en) of Warsaw University of Technology (https://www.pw.edu.pl/engpw) 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 make significant contributions to front-line research on gravitational waves experiments, development of seismic and environmental sensors, and low noise electronics.
2. To be open to co-operation with the other research teams at AstroCeNT.
3. To be prepared to apply for grants.

Profile of candidates:

1. Experience in electronics and data acquisition systems.
2. Ability to work and collaborate in research teams in a competitive environment.
3. Potential to attract grant funding.

 Remuneration:

12,000 PLN of gross salary (expected net salary: about 8,750 PLN)

Job type: Employment contract

Position starts as soon as possible.

Required documents:

1. curriculum vitae,
2. statement of research interests,
3. publication list,
4. photocopy of PhD diploma,
5. at least two, preferably three, letters of reference,
6. scan of signed GDPD form (available from https://www.camk.edu.pl/en/about/ochrona-danych-osobowych/#rodocent).

Contact:

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

Complete applications received before 15 August 2020 will receive full consideration; however, applications received after that date will be also considered until the positions are filled.

Additional information:

More information can be obtained from Prof. Leszek Roszkowski (leszek.roszkowski@astrocent.pl) or Prof. Tomasz Bulik (tomek.bulik@astrocent.pl).

We offer:

1. stimulating, international, English speaking research environment in a new center of excellence;
2. possibility to develop frontline research in gravitational wave research, in collaboration with the other teams of AstroCeNT and with our strategic partner APC;
3. funding for research, travel and basic equipment.
4. scientific, organizational and technical support, including standard research facilities.

Apply now