Postdoctoral position on Fast Radio Bursts

We invite applications to join the AstroFlash research group as a 3-year post-doctoral fellow at ASTRON (Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy) and with a guest appointment at the Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy of the University of Amsterdam. The AstroFlash group is focused on the study of fast radio bursts (FRBs), which are millisecond-duration radio flashes of extragalactic origin. We aim to understand the physical origin(s) of FRBs and to use them as uniquely powerful probes of the otherwise invisible matter that lies between stars and galaxies.

The offered position is classified as:

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION ON FAST RADIO BURSTS (‘SCIENTIST A’)

Job description:

The successful candidate will work on the EuroFlash project, which is funded by an ERC Advanced Grant (PI: Hessels). In EuroFlash, we are expanding the capabilities of a European network of radio telescopes to study FRBs at the best-possible time and frequency resolution, and with full polarimetry. The main facilities include the European VLBI Network (EVN), LOFAR2.0 (upgraded LOFAR), Nançay Radio Telescope, and a collection of 25-32-m dishes (Westerbork, Onsala, Torun, Stockert, Dwingeloo). In EuroFlash, we will peform deep, targeted studies of repeating FRBs discovered with CHIME/FRB and CHORD, and we will develop LOFAR2.0 as a wide-field commensal FRB discovery machine.

Experience in radio astronomy, interferometry, and analysis pipelines (including machine learning) are highly valued skills for this position.

• A PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related discipline;
• Experience with radio astronomy (time-domain and/or imaging);
• Solid publication experience in refereed scientific journals;
• Good planning and organizational skills;
• Very good communications skills in English, and a team player.

The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement Research Institutions.

We offer:

• A position with leadership potential, in a vibrant and world-class scientific team;
• Support and mentorship on developing as a scientist;
• A pleasant and stimulating work environment;
• Ample travel support for conferences, or work visits;
• Flexible conditions of employment, tailored to your personal situation;
• A fulltime appointment as “Scientist A”, in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of 2 years, extended to 3 years in case of good performance;
• A gross monthly salary in the range of €4.065,- to €4.363,- (full-time salary) depending on experience, and 42 vacation days per year (on a full-time basis);
• A holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.33% of the gross annual salary, plus a solid pension scheme (ABP);
• Generous relocation expenses and support with finding accommodation.

We strongly believe that progress, creativity and innovation is only possible in an inclusive and diverse environment. Therefore, we value the unique skills and qualities you bring to the table. While we appreciate a range of expertise, please note that not ticking all the boxes does not necessarily diminish our interest in your application. Therefore, we warmly welcome everyone and in particular women and individuals from under-represented groups to apply.

The organization:

ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, is located just outside Dwingeloo in Drenthe. Its mission is to make discoveries in radio astronomy happen via the development of novel and innovative technologies, the operation of world-class radio astronomy facilities, and the pursuit of fundamental astronomical research. ASTRON hosts a vibrant research environment with strong technical expertise and influence in the new generation of emerging radio facilities. As the NL national radio astronomy institute, ASTRON also plays a leading role in several of the consortia contributing to the scientific and technical design of the SKA. ASTRON also currently hosts JIVE, the Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC.

Information:

For more information about ASTRON, see our website www.astron.nl. For more information about the position, feel free to contact Prof. dr. Jason Hessels (AstroFlash group lead), email: [email protected]. For more information about the vacancy procedure, please contact ASTRON P&O, e-mail: [email protected].

Reactions:

You can apply for this job by sending a curriculum vitae and a 1-page description of research interests to ASTRON on or before April 19, 2024.
Please also arrange for two letters of reference to be sent to [email protected] by the deadline.
Interviews will take place in the week of April 22, 2024. Offers will be made late April/early May. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.