Postdoctoral Research Position – Solar Radio Astronomy with LOFAR and MWA

Postdoctoral Research Position – Solar Radio Astronomy with LOFAR and
MWA

The Institute of Astronomy and National Astronomical Observatory (IANAO)
of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences invites applications for a
Post-doctoral researcher position to work on processing and analyzing
advanced low-frequency radio imaging observations of solar coronal
shocks and coronal mass ejections from the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR)
and Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) low-frequency telescopes.

The postdoctoral researcher will join Dr. Kamen Kozarev and his research
group to study the dynamic features of solar eruptions and
time-dependent spectra of energetic electron beams in the corona. The
researcher will help develop and employ processing pipelines for solar
interferometric observations. These data can reveal the locations of
charged particle acceleration with great spatial, temporal and frequency
resolutions. While such observations have traditionally been
challenging, new advanced approaches, together with improved computing
technology and software, have made them more accessible for routine
investigation of solar activity. Available synergistic EUV and in situ
data (from Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter) will also be analyzed.

–       Applicants must hold a PhD in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics,
with a focus in radio astronomy, heliophysics, or a closely related
field. Previous experience in scientific programming in Python, CASA or
similar, Linux/Unix environments, version control (svn, git), and work
on building processing pipelines will be considered an advantage. The
full-time position is available starting on May 1st 2021, or soon
thereafter. A very competitive salary and ample conference travel funds
are offered.

How to Apply:
–       Interested candidates should contact Dr. Kamen Kozarev
(kkozarev@astro.bas.bg), arrange for three letters of recommendation to
be sent to him, and provide a cover letter describing their experience
and interests, as well as a curriculum vitae including a list of
relevant publications.

Additional Information:

–       The position is part of the 5-year CAREER-type project ”Modeling and
ObServAtional Integrated Investigations of Coronal Solar Eruptions”
(MOSAIICS), funded by the National Science Fund of Bulgaria. The project
is led by Assoc. Prof. Kamen Kozarev.

–       The overall goal of the MOSAIICS project is to adopt an integrated
approach providing a deeper understanding of the plasma processes
leading to charged particle acceleration by CMEs near the Sun. The
project’s high level objectives are to (i) develop and integrate novel
image processing and machine learning techniques to reliably analyze
radio and EUV remote imaging observations of CMEs and their shocks; (ii)
investigate the origins and evolution of radio emission from energetic
electron beams in CMEs, comparing with in situ measurements; (iii)
develop and apply advanced global data-driven models of particle
acceleration and transport to test and improve our theoretical
understanding of SEP production and transport. This postdoctoral
position will focus on the second objective.

–       The Institute of Astronomy is a leader in astrophysical research in
Bulgaria and Southeast Europe. It hosts over 80 researchers working in
several areas of astrophysics, namely solar activity and solar system
small bodies, stars and stellar systems, galaxies and cosmology.
Additionally, IANAO staff have strong expertise in operating and
maintaining the National Observatory Rozhen – a dedicated facility in
the Rhodopi mountains with a flagship 2-meter reflective optical
telescope, as well as a number of smaller research-grade telescopes.
IANAO is currently actively developing a radio astronomy research
programme, including development of a LOFAR observing station. For more
information, visit http://astro.bas.bg.