H2020 SPACE XMM2ATHENA postdoctoral position

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position to participate in the H2020 XMM2ATHENA project. XMM2ATHENA is a collaboration of 9 European Institutes including members of the XMM-Newton Science ground segment along with key members of the Athena Science ground segment. The goal of the project is to develop innovative methods to maximise the return from the current X-ray Observatory XMM-Newton and prepare for the forthcoming X-ray mission Athena.

This position will be hosted at IRAP in Toulouse, France. IRAP is the PI institute for the XMM2ATHENA project as well as being responsible for the XMM-Newton Survey Science Centre, and the PI institute for the X-IFU instrument that will fly on the Athena X-ray observatory. The post-doc will lead efforts to develop innovative software to automatically detect serendipitously observed X-ray transients and identify them using multi-wavelength and multi-messenger data.  The group at IRAP is also involved in other current and future projects such as the VLT, INTEGRAL, Fermi, NuSTAR, CTA, SVOM, Euclid, SKA, ELT, Theseus and LISA and has particular interests in neutron stars, ultra luminous X-ray sources, compact binaries in general and intermediate mass black
holes.

The candidate is expected to have: experience in high energy astrophysics; programming skills and experience in compact objects. It would also be advantageous to have skills in interpreting data from other wavelengths. The post is open to candidates of any nationality who hold a PhD.  The post is for two years, starting in April 2021. Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a summary of research interests and a list of publications (all as pdf files) and arrange for two referees to send reference letters to Natalie Webb ( [email protected] ) before the 4th February 2021. IRAP is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women and minorities.