The National Centre for Nuclear Research opens the competition for the position of

Postdoc
(ref. BP4_337)

at The Astrophysics Division

Funding within the ACME Horizon Europe project under the leadership of Prof. Łukasz Wyrzykowski.

Localization: Pasteura 7, 02-093 Warsaw

We seek a highly motivated researcher to work on the detection, characterization, and follow-up of transient astronomical events, with a particular focus on supernovae and other explosive phenomena in the multimessenger context. The successful candidate will play a key role in optimizing observational strategies within the BHTOM network, analyzing photometric and spectroscopic data, and developing tools for real-time transient classification. The position offers opportunities to collaborate with major time-domain surveys and international transient follow-up programs like Gaia and LSST.

Description of tasks:

• Work in a research team under the supervision of the Principal Investigator on tasks related to the implementation of the ACME grant.
• Analyse observational data, interpret results and prepare scientific publications and conference presentations related to the project.
• Promote research findings through various dissemination activities.
• Engage with the broader time-domain astronomy community, including LSST, ZTF, and other transient-focused projects.
• Participate in the coordination of observational strategies and data analysis within the BHTOM framework.
• Pursue independent research in time-domain astronomy using observing time allocated through BHTOM, in particular, extragalactic transients and supernovae.
• Participate in the scientific life of the Astrophysics Division, including attending meetings, seminars, and co-organizing workshops, conferences, and other events.
• (Co)-supervise and provide support to PhD and undergraduate students working on the project.

Requirements:

• A Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field.
• Proven research experience, documented through publications and conference presentations.
• Strong background in time-domain astrophysics, particularly in the study of supernovae or other transients.
• Experience in observational astronomy, including photometric and spectroscopic data analysis.
• Proficiency in programming and data analysis (e.g., Python, machine learning tools, SQL databases).
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Additional assets:

• Documented experience in international scientific collaborations.
• Documented skills in observation scheduling and telescope data management.
• Practical knowledge of Machine Learning techniques in astronomy.
• Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset.

Required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Full publication list
• Research plans
• A scan/copy of degree diploma
• Two references letters, arranged by applicants and directly submitted by the letter writers before the application deadline,
• Any other possible documents that might influence the assessment
• A cover letter that explains the motivating factors for considering the position (max. 1 pp)

We offer:

• Employment in one of the largest research Institute in Poland
• Good learning environment. Support of an experienced team
• Excellence with full research autonomy and being part of a diverse and supportive team of professionals
• External and internal trainings in hard and soft skills as well as participation in conferences
• Work in Polish and international networks with research institutes and industrial companies
• Employment based on an employment contract
• Stable working conditions without overtimes and friendly atmosphere
• A rich travel budget, including opportunities to visit partner institutes and observatories (e.g., in Italy, Greece, Spain, South Africa) and attend international conferences.
• Participation in cutting-edge time-domain astronomy projects (e.g. Gaia, LSST) and global collaborations (ACME, LCO)

Contact: prof. dr hab. Łukasz Wyrzykowski, lukasz.wyrzykowski@ncbj.gov.pl

Applications in electronic form should be submitted to: lukasz.wyrzykowski@ncbj.gov.pl
 

As an attachment to your application please sign & enclose the following declarations:

I agree for my personal data included in the application documents to be processed by National Centre for Nuclear Research with its registered office in Otwock, 7 Andrzej Sołtan Street, 05-420 Otwock, for a period of 12 months from their submission, in order to carry out future recruitment processes.

Others information:
We reserve the right to contact only selected candidates & the right to inform about the decision to fill the post only to the selected candidate.

At NCBJ there is the internal procedure for the report of breaches of law. Anyone interested in its content can access it at any time on the website: https://www.ncbj.gov.pl/sites/default/files/prasa/INTERNAL%20NOTIFICATION%20PROCEDURE.pdf

Information in accordance with Article 13 RODO on the processing of personal data:

1. The Personal Data Controller of your personal data is the National Centre for Nuclear Research (hereinafter referred to as Controller or NCBJ) with its registered office in Otwock, 7 Andrzej Sołtan Street, 05-400 Otwock.
2. Your personal data will be processed for recruitment purposes on the basis of applicable law, including the Labour Code. Data not required by law, provided by you in your documents, will be processed on the basis of your consent. Your consent is given by the transfer of this data.
3. The full content of the information clause of Article 13 RODO is available at https://www.ncbj.gov.pl/en/gdpr

The National Centre for Nuclear Research is awarded by “HR Excellence in Research”. Recruitment is based on OTM-R system (Open, Transparent and Merit-based recruitment practices in Research Performing Organisations).