Postdoctoral position in theoretical and numerical cosmology

Project Overview: The 2024-2028 ANR project ProGraceRay (PRObing GRAvity at Cosmological scalEs with relativistic RAY-tracing) aims at investigating robust probes of the nature of gravity at cosmological scales thanks to a suite of dedicated large cosmological simulations. The project involves 4 main participating institutes LUTH/Paris Observatory (Meudon), IAP/Sorbonne University (Paris), AIM/CEA (Saclay) and LAM/Aix-Marseille University (Marseille). This job announcement concerns the first postdoctoral position (out of three) about N-body simulations in modified gravity.

Position Description: The COS team at LUTH (located at the Meudon site of Paris Observatory, near Paris) is inviting applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position in numerical cosmology.  The starting date is expected any time between February 1st 2024 and October 1st 2024. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in implementing a (flexible) modified gravity model within the RAMSES cosmological N-body (and hydrodynamical) code. They will conduct a suite of large N-body simulations (on French and European supercomputers), exploring the parameter space and investigating the influence of modified gravity on large-scale structures. Additionally, the candidate will make use of the Magrathea library for relativistic ray tracing (i.e., for the study of weak-lensing and redshift space distortions). Such work is key for the interpretation of ongoing and future surveys such as Euclid, DESI and LSST.

Qualification: We are looking for highly motivated candidates with strong numerical skills and experience in cosmological simulations and/or modified gravity. Candidates should hold a PhD in Astrophysics, scientific computing or a related field.

Salary and Benefits: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience (i.e. the gross salary can typically range from 3000 euros to 4200 euros per month). It includes a comprehensive benefits package covering health insurance, maternity/paternity leave, a pension plan, and supplements for children and education. Funding for traveling to conferences and team meetings is also available.

Diversity and Inclusion:  Paris Observatory and the CNRS are equal opportunity employer, committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.

Application Requirements Applicants should submit the following documents:

1. A CV including a publication list.

2. A research statement (<8 pages)

3. Three reference letters to be sent directly to the address below

Ideally, 1. and 2. should be merged in a single file “Name_Firstname_ProGraceRay_Postdoc_2024.pdf”  while the letters should be named Name_Firstname_ProGraceRay_Postdoc_2024_AuthorOfTheLetter.pdf for 3.

The applications should be sent by November 30th 2023 to Yann Rasera [email protected] with the subject heading “ProGraceRay Postdoc 2024: Name Firstname”. The selection deadline is expected for mid-January 2024.

For more information: Visit the COS team's website: https://cosmo.obspm.fr/. Learn more about LUTH: https://luth.obspm.fr/. Explore Paris Observatory: https://www.observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/.  Any inquiries about the position should be sent to Yann Rasera.