PhD positions in stellar astrophysics

The Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center invites applications for PhD positions in the following research areas:

Ground based eclipse timing and analysis of satellite-borne observations of detached eclipsing binaries. We seek two PhD candidates to work on: (1) the detection of circumbinary companions (stellar and planetary) thanks to the timing measurements of their eclipses based on on a vast database of photometric measurements from the "Solaris” global network of robotic telescopes; (2) to obtain high-precision (<1%) fundamental stellar parameters for components of selected detached eclipsing binaries. This will be done on the basis of our unique database of high quality spectroscopic observations and very high precision, satellite-based photometry from missions such as Kepler/K2, TESS, Gaia, and others. The results will be a base for further analysis, aimed for obtaining ages, chemical composition or distances to the systems. Contact: Maciej Konacki.

Metal-poor stars: A PhD position is available to work in the analysis of near-UV (300-400 nm) high-resolution spectra of metal-poor stars. The project includes determining abundances for elements heavier than Fe, to contribute to the understanding of the r-process, and using Gaia kinematic data to investigate the origins of the sample stars. In addition, the project can be potentially important for the development of a new near-UV spectrograph for the ESO VLT. Contact: Rodolfo Smiljanic.

Evolution and pulsation of classical Cepheids: A PhD position is available to work on theory and observations of classical Cepheids. Two projects are possible. In the first, the student will use MESA code to model evolution and pulsation of Cepheids – members of the eclipsing binary systems, with the goal to constrain the parameters of stellar evolution and pulsation theories. In the second project the student will focus on the analysis of OGLE photometry of Cepheids, with the goal to study pulsation period changes, including non-evolutionary effects. Contact: Radoslaw Smolec.

Requirements, application and selection procedure: please see the official announcement text for information.