Ph.D. positions in time domain astrophysics and astroparticle physics at UNG

Job description:

The Center for Astrophysics and Cosmology (CAC) at the University of Nova Gorica (UNG) has openings for three Ph.D. student positions, with starting date in October 2023.

The positions are focused on the following research topics:

• rapidly evolving fields of Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs), Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs), and Gravitational Wave Events (GWEs), which have in common that they are transients produced by compact astrophysical objects. The student will be invited to join the Transients and Variable Stars Science Collaboration of the Vera Rubin Observatory LSST project and will work under the mentorship of Prof. A. Gomboc (https://www2.ung.si/~agomboc/ag/About_Me.html).
• development of a dedicated Raman lidar and its integration into the emerging CTA Observatory, as well as the study of atmosphere-induced systematic uncertainties, which are expected to be particularly important for the all-sky surveys. The candidate will become a member of the Cherenkov Telescope Array collaboration and will work under the mentorship of Prof. S. Stanič (https://www.ung.si/en/research/cac/staff/samo-stanic/).
• research related to dark matter searches in experimental astrophysical data of the Fermi-LAT satellite, Cherenkov Telescope Array, and/or Vera Rubin Observatory LSST, together with theoretical studies and data interpretation. Depending on the exact project the student will become a member of these experimental collaborations and will work under the mentorship of Prof. G. Zaharijas (http://www.ung.si/~gzaharijas/).

The CAC is active in astrophysics and astroparticle physics research and actively participates in several large experimental collaborations, such as Fermi-LAT, CTA, Pierre Auger Observatory, and Vera Rubin Observatory LSST. It is leading a large European project that focuses on machine learning applications in science and humanities, SMASH (https://smash.ung.si/). The center benefits from the proximity of several institutions with strong expertise in astronomy and astroparticle physics such as the Institute Jozef Stefan in Ljubljana and SISSA, INFN, and IFPU in Trieste.

Who can apply:

• candidates who have not yet completed a doctorate in science or obtained the title of doctor of science;
• have not yet been employed as Ph.D. candidates;
• and no more than four years have elapsed since the year of completion of their programme of study leading to eligibility for admission to the doctoral programme

How to apply:

Please send

• a short motivational letter;
• CV;
• a copy of your degree certificate, list of passed exams, grade point average and other relevant documents.

by e-mail to careers@ung.si no later than 15 May 2023.

The application should be sent as a single PDF e-mail attachment.