PhD position in modelling of irradiated binaries

We welcome applications for one PhD position at the Department of Physics of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). We especially encourage women to apply for this position.

The PhD candidate will work on topics related to compact binary millisecond pulsars (aka 'spiders') within the LOVE-NEST team. She or he is expected to design, code, test and exploit physical models of spiders and irradiated binaries.

The selected candidate will join a growing and multifaceted research team funded by the H2020 ERC Consolidator Grant LOVE-NEST (https://home.phys.ntnu.no/LOVE-NEST/; PI: M. Linares). The main focus of the ERC team is the study of compact binary millisecond pulsars, which has an impact on a broad range of science topics (including super-massive neutron stars, nuclear physics, gravitational wave astronomy, cosmic rays, accretion flows and pulsar winds).

The position has a duration of three years, with a possible extension to a fourth year contingent on availability and optional teaching duties. The start date is mutually agreeable, and expected around June 2022.

The position is based in Trondheim: a vibrant multicultural city surrounded by beautiful landscapes and the third largest municipality in Norway (renowned as its technological capital). NTNU is the largest University in the country and provides excellent working conditions.

About the group

The Astrophysics and Particle Physics (APP) Group carries out research in high-energy astrophysics, astroparticle physics and multi-wavelength astronomy, as well as particle physics. Its current scientific interests include compact objects, cosmic ray production, transport and detection, astrophysical neutrinos, active galactic nuclei and quantum chromodynamics.

The APP Group is part of the Department of Physics, which currently employs about 160 people. On average some 2000 NTNU students follow courses at the Department of Physics every year.

Required selection criteria

A MSc in Astronomy or Astrophysics (by the start date of the position)
Experience in scientific coding in a Linux/Mac environment
Fluent English communication, written and oral
Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree programme, where 120 credits are obtained at master's level
You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an average grade from the master's degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's doctoral program.

Preferred selection criteria

Experience in numerical codes for astrophysics
Published experience in binary systems and compact objects
Proven knowledge of programming languages (C++, Fortran, Python)

Personal characteristics

Social and collaborative skills (ability to work in a team and contribute to its success)
Enthusiasm for science
Independent
Systematic

We offer

Exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
Favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
Employee benefits
Access to telescope time through dedicated ERC funds and the Nordic Optical Telescope
Ample budget for travel, computing equipment and other research expenses
Access to the computer cluster at the Department of Physics


Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 491 200 per annum before tax. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The position has a duration of three years, with a possible extension to a fourth year contingent on availability and optional teaching duties.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.

The application must include:

Cover letter (summarize your background and motivation to apply; max. 1p)
CV (max. 4p; and the most important certificates/diplomas, with English translation when necessary)
List of publications (briefly describe your contribution in the case of large collaborations; max. 4p)
Two reference letters sent directly by the academic references to manuel.linares @ ntnu.no. Also, list their names, position and contact details in the application.

Application deadline: 31.03.22

For full details see:
https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/220097/phd-position-in-modelling-of-irradiated-binaries

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).