Postdoctoral Fellowship in Gamma-ray Astronomy with CTA

The gamma-ray astronomy group at Laboratoire Leprince Ringuet (LLR¹), based at Ecole Polytechnique in the Paris region, has an opening for a postdoctoral fellow to work on the CTA² experiment, a state-of-the-art facility that will study of the most energetic sources of radiation in the Universe. The group has a long history in ground- and space-based gamma-ray astronomy, having collaborated in the development of the H.E.S.S. cameras and the Fermi calorimeter. LLR scientists are involved in H.E.S.S., CTA and Fermi, studying galactic and extragalactic sources, including pulsars, binaries, active galactic nuclei, and galaxy clusters. Group members have led the development of advanced analysis techniques and calibration algorithms for gamma-ray detectors.

Job description : The successful candidate will work on the commissioning of NectarCAM³, a camera for the medium-sized telescopes (MST) of CTA, including:

• Testing and validation of the first complete camera in the dark room (late 2021)

• Development of calibration and validation software for NectarCAM (2021-2022)

• Preparation of the early-science phase of the Northern CTA site in La Palma (2022)

• Installation and early operation of the first NectarCAM at La Palma (late 2022)

• Exploitation of first observations with NectarCAM (2022-2023)

Up to 40% of the appointee’s time can be spent on a scientific research programme related to CTA, which the candidate should outline in the application. Preference may be given to candidates whose research interests align with those of the CTA scientists at LLR. This research programme can exploit H.E.S.S. and Fermi resources available at LLR.

Experience with data-analysis and statistical methods, and a proficiency with Python are desirable. A good command of English, and the ability to work in a team are essential.

The position, offered by the French nuclear- and particle-physics institute, IN2P3, as part of its “Fellowship des 2 infinis” programme, will have a duration of 24 months, starting at the earliest on 01/09/2021. The position is open to all researchers holding a PhD in a relevant subject, awarded within 2 years of the starting date. Gross salary will be between €2,728 and €3,145 per month, based on experience. The fellowship includes a research grant from IN2P3, which can be spent in 2022. Funding for a laptop, travel for CTA-related activities and to relevant conferences will be provided by the group.

Application : Candidates must apply online through the CNRS employment portal, using the link below. Applicants should submit a CV including the names of at least two referees, a letter of motivation, and a proposed research programme. Recommendation letters can be sent to the contact address below. Applications received by 22/04/2021 will be prioritized.

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR7638-STEFEG-001/Default.aspx?lang=… further information please contact : Stephen Fegan (sfegan@llr.in2p3.fr)

¹ http://www.llr.in2p3.fr/ ² http://www.cta-observatory.org/ ³ https://arxiv.org/pdf/1610.04173.pdf