PhD researcher in lightning studies using LOFAR radio telescope

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a strong background in data analysis and interest in exploring the physics of radio emission from lightning using data from the LOFAR radio telescope.

PhD researcher in lightning studies using LOFAR radio telescope

You will perform independent research on lightning data obtained with the LOFAR radio telescope.

Despite being a common and energetic event, lightning is still poorly understood. We do not know how it initiates, propagates, or even why it emits radio energy. Our group uses the LOFAR radio telescope which, although primarily designed for radio astronomical research, provides extremely precise and accurate images of lightning propagation with nanosecond and meter-scale resolution that allows us to probe lightning on the small scales needed to uncover the physics behind lightning phenomena.

In this project the student will use LOFAR data to analyze lightning in order to understand how lightning initiates and grows, where there is flexibility to adjust for the student’s interests. This will include contributing to our analysis pipeline by either improving existing techniques or developing new analyses, in addition to applying analyses to better understand lightning physics.

Through LOFAR, as a supplier of lightning data, ASTRON is part of the Pithia-NRF consortium, a H2020 funded consortium that brings together many European institutes. The student will be jointly based at ASTRON and the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, University of Groningen.

Job requirements

• A Master’s degree in physics, astronomy, engineering or a related discipline (or close to finishing);
• Experience in experimental data analysis;
• Good verbal and written communication in English;
• Strong coding skills (C,C++, Fortran, or python);
• Skillsets in statistics, antenna systems, and Fourier-frequency based analysis is a plus.

Employment conditions

• Full-time, 38 hours/week temporary appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of in total 4 years;
• A starting gross monthly salary of € 2,590 on a full-time basis (OIO salary scale, WVOI)

Additional information

This PhD program is through the Kapteyn Institute, University of Groningen, in accordance with the rules of the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering. The student will be positioned in Groningen, which is a lively student city, while also spending research time at ASTRON.

For more information about ASTRON or this vacancy, please contact the PI (Brian Hare, [email protected]), visit www.astron.nl and www.astron.nl/careers, or contact the HR department via: [email protected].

How to apply

You can apply for this job by submitting your curriculum vitae, cover letter with description of research interest and list of grades through www.astron.nl/careers. Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to [email protected] by the deadline. The first closing date is May 1st, 2023 at 9:00 AM CEST.

We plan to have online interviews May 15. Candidates will be considered until the position has been filled.