Postdoctoral position on the calibration of the extragalactic distance scale

Postdoctoral researcher position at Paris Observatory (LESIA) on the calibration of the extragalactic distance scale

We advertise a postdoctoral research position to work on improving the calibration of the extragalactic distance scale within the framework of the ERC Synergy Grant UniverScale.

The researcher will revisit the distances to the host galaxies of Type Ia supernovae in which Cepheids were observed with the HST. The principal objective is to improve the robustness of the distances of these galaxies, by exploring alternate innovative methods to analyze archival data as well as new observations.

This position is funded for two years, with a possible extension of one year, to start at a date to be agreed after 1st September 2022. The successful applicant will join the LESIA laboratory, located in Meudon near Paris. They will have the possibility to co-supervise a related PhD thesis that will start in October 2022.

A PhD in Astrophysics is required at the time of the contract signature. The ideal candidate should be familiar with the analysis of different types of observational data sets. Previous experience with variable stars or observational cosmology is desirable.

How to apply for this position: The applicants are invited to send via email a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research interests (maximum 4 pages) with links to recent publications, and two letters of reference to Prof. Pierre Kervella. The applications should ideally be received by 25 August 2022. After this date, the applications will be considered until the position is filled.