Postdoc | BP4

Competition opened on: 
9 Nov 2021 - 15:30
Application submission deadline: 
1 Dec 2021 - 23:45

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

Postdoc
in Fundamental Research Department, Astrophysics Division (BP4)

Location: ul. 28. Pułku Strzelców Kaniowskich 69, Łódź, Poland

Postdoc position in Cosmic Ray Astrophysics 

The Astrophysics Division at the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), Cosmic Ray Laboratory in Łódź, Poland, invites applications for postdoctoral research position in analysis and interpretation of data from Mini-EUSO (at ISS), EUSO-SPB, EUSO-TA2 detectors and preparation of scientific program for EUSO-SPB2 (NASA’s Super Pressure Balloon). These experiments are UV-sensitive prototype/test telescopes for future ultra-high energy cosmic ray observations from space.

The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to work within the project "The highest energy cosmic ray measurements within JEM-EUSO Collaboration - detector elements preparation, participation in measurements and data analysis" funded by the National Science Centre (NCN), Poland as OPUS-14 grant 2017/27/B/ST9/02162.
All EUSO detectors have a set of multianode photomultipliers as a light sensors placed at the camera focal plane. The camera is fast (0.4M frames/s). Measurements are performed during dark nights from space, balloons or from ground level. Currently subjects are related to experiments:

  • Mini-EUSO is observing in UV light the Earth atmosphere from the International Space Station. It is dedicated to study atmospheric background emission, transient events (lightnings, TLEs, meteors etc.). Mini-EUSO takes data from October 7, 2019;
  • EUSO-TA2 (near by to the Telescope Array Experiment in Utah desert) is a test experiment upgraded in 2019, and now we wait for opportunity to start measurements;
  • EUSO-SPB (NASA’s stratospheric balloon) which was flying for 12 days in 2017;
  • EUSO-SPB2 is a balloon experiment (1M frames/s, NASA's Super Pressure Balloon flight) currently scheduled for 2022/23.

We have hardware contribution to these experiments, namely high voltage subsystem. Monitoring HV would be one of subjects, too. More information about realised and planed EUSO experiments are available in pages 21-28 of European Space Agency Roadmap:  http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/HRE/SciSpacE_Roadmaps.pdf.
Researcher would contribute to science data analysis (Mini-EUSO, EUSO-SPB), simulations for EUSO-SPB2 or/and data collection for EUSO-TA2. Particular tasks are realised by groups smaller than 20 scientists.

The candidate is expected:

  • The candidate should have PhD, but for no longer than 7 years (extended in case of maternity, more details in https://www.ncn.gov.pl/aktualnosci/2017-02-06-ulatwienie-powrotu-do-prac..., in Polish). (you can read more: https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/5_koszty_OPUS_PRELUDIUM... in the paragraph „Osoba na stanowisku typu post-doc” (pages 3-4) including footnotes 7 and 10) 
  • Candidates should have knowledge related to high energy physics, or cosmic ray physics, or atmosphere physics/chemistry, or other knowledge related to grant and science of listed experiments (eg. cosmic electronics).
  • Experience in numerical data analysis and/or computer simulations is required. 
  • Particularly knowledge and experience with Linux, C++, CERN’s ROOT is essential.
  • Knowledge of Python, Geant4, astrometry tools is welcome. 
  • As research work is within international collaboration knowledge of English is essential.
  • Employee should participate in measurement in Utah.

Documents required:

  • scan of PhD diploma, 
  • CV, 
  • list of publications, 
  • scientific achievements and motivation letter (including information about his/her abilities and research experience)
  • the applicant should also arrange for two recommendation letters sent directly by the recommending person to the address given below. 

We offer:

  • full time employment (postdoc position),
  • contract for 1 year (with possibility of extension) from January 2021,
  • monthly salary about 5270 PLN/month plus insurance.

Contact: dr. Jacek Szabelski, e-mail: jacek.szabelski@ncbj.gov.pl 

Place of submitting applications:

All applications should be sent by e-mail to: jacek.szabelski@ncbj.gov.pl

As an attachment to your application please sign and 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.

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://old.ncbj.gov.pl/en/information-clause-personal-data-processing


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).