Stellar-merger remnants with interferometric techniques

Two PhD positions in astrophysics of stellar-merger remnants with interferometric techniques

We invite applications for two PhD positions in astrophysics at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center (CAMK) of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Toruń, Poland.

The PhD candidates will investigate the physical and chemical structure of remnants of red nova eruptions. The remnants are thought to be sites of recent stellar merger events. The main science aims include investigating physical processes that govern the common-envelope phase, stellar-collisions, mass loss in binaries, and binary interaction in eruptive systems. The PhD candidates will work mainly with interferometric data acquired (1) in the IR with VLTI instruments, Gravity and Matisse, or (2) similar submillimeter observations from ALMA and SMA. Preferences of the PhD candidate will be taken into account in deciding which of the two wavelength regimes will constitute the main working material for their thesis. Most of the interferometric observations have been collected or are scheduled for execution in the near future. The PhD candidates will be expected to develop optimal interferometric imaging techniques and investigate the physical structure of the remnants. The PhD candidates will be also expected to secure multi-wavelength auxiliary data at other facilities. Frequent training trips to ESO Garching & Santiago, and interferometry schools are foreseen.

A prior experience with interferometric data (IR or submillimeter) or molecular spectroscopy are welcome but are not required. Proficiency in python programming will be considered as an asset. Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain before the start of the position) a university degree (master or equivalent) in the field of astrophysics, astronomy, or physics.

Each position has funding for four years. The monthly gross salary for a PhD student is set to 4500 PLN (~1000 EUR) which is competitive considering the current costs of living in Toruń and is higher than the typical respective wages at Polish universities.