Two postdoctoral researcher positions in observational astrophysics

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Archive Date: 
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Research Laboratory
Institution/Company: 
EPFL
Department Name: 
LASTRO
City: 
Lausanne
State/Province: 
Canton de Vaud
Zip/Postal: 
1015
Country: 
Switzerland
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Project description:

Applications are invited for two (2) 3-year postdoctoral researcher positions in the research group led by Dr. Richard I. Anderson at the Astrophysics Laboratory (LASTRO) of the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. Funding for the positions is provided by the ERC Starting Grant "H1PStars - measuring Hubble's constant to 1% with pulsating stars". Specifically, the H1PStars team will work towards a 1% measurement of Hubble's constant using distance ladders, pursuing at the same time more precise and accurate distance measurements as well as an improved astrophysical understanding of stellar standard candles.
 
One position is aimed at improved distance measurements using ground- and space-based photometric observations. For details and application instructions, please visit:
https://recruiting.epfl.ch/Vacancies/1624/Description/2 


The other position targets time-domain spectroscopy of pulsating stars and non-variable standard candles. For details and application instructions, please visit:
https://recruiting.epfl.ch/Vacancies/1625/Description/2


Working environment:

The successful applicants will become integral members of a young and dynamic research group funded by an ERC starting grant and an SNSF Eccellenza professorial fellowship. The H1PStars group is based at the Sauverny Observatory site, which offers an inspiring world-class astrophysics research environment shared by LASTRO and the University of Geneva's Department of Astronomy. For information on research at EPFL and in Sauverny, visit https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lastro/ and https://www.unige.ch/sciences/astro/en/

The successful applicants shall contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team atmosphere, and shall be available for (graduate & undergraduate) student (co-)supervision and mentoring. Funding for each position is available for 3 years. Additional funding for computer equipment, science travel, publication charges, etc. is available.

Swiss scientists have access to ESO (e.g. VLT, ALMA, E-ELT) and ESA (e.g. HST, XMM-Newton, JWST, Euclid) facilities. EPFL further enjoys preferred access to the 1.2m Swiss Euler telescope at La Silla observatory, Chile. EPFL is a full member of SDSS-V, DESI, and 4MOST, part of the MOONS and of the future BlueMUSE consortia, and member of the SKA Organisation. EPFL is recognized as one of the best Universities in Europe and covers both engineering and fundamental sciences. 

EPFL is located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. However, it is fully feasible to get by in English thanks to a large international community that includes CERN and the United Nations, in addition to many corporate headquarters. Applicants desiring to learn French will be encouraged to do so. 

Requirements and Application material:

A PhD in (astro)physics is required by the time the appointment starts. Full working proficiency of English is required. 

Applications should be submitted by 8 January 2021 at the above links and should include:
- motivation letter
- curriculum vitae 
- publication list
- research statement 
- confirmation of anticipated PhD completion date (incl. official letter head and signature) in case PhD has not been awarded prior to applying
- three letters of reference (see below)

Applicants should instruct their references to submit letters of support by e-mail to [email protected]h before the application deadline (8 Jan 2021). 

Review of applications will begin in early January. Late applications submitted before the end of January 2021 may be considered under exceptional circumstances (mention in motivation letter).

Application Deadline: 
Friday, 8 January 2021
Selection Deadline: 
Wednesday, 17 February 2021

Included Benefits: 

The position includes a competitive salary and benefits according to the Swiss social security system (medical insurance, accident insurance, retirement benefits, etc). 

Application Deadline: 
Friday, January 8, 2021
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, January 8, 2021
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Dr. Richard Anderson
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Dr. Richard Anderson