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Post-doctoral Positions - under following projects
(1) First complete view of the Magellanic bridge stellar population with X-rays:
The Magellanic system, comprising the LMC, the SMC and the structures connecting them is an ideal template to study the formation and evolution of galaxies and the tidal interaction between galaxies. In fact, the most irrefutable evidence that the MCs interact with each other and with our Galaxy (Besla et al. 2012, Diaz & Bekki 2012) is provided by the Magellanic Bridge (MCB): a stream of gas and stars connecting the MCs. Numerical simulations have shown that the MCB was formed by tidal forces stripping gas mostly from the SMC (Gardiner & Noguchi 1996). This implied a recent burst of star formation and the presence of early-type stars, which was also supported by observations (Carrera et al. 2017) indicating that the MCB was formed by the last interaction between the LMC and SMC. There is also evidence of an older population of stripped stars by tidal forces during the last interaction between the LMC and SMC. The insights into the history of interaction between the Magellanic system and the MW have just started to unveil with the wealth of multi-wavelength (MW) information from large area surveys, the information in the X-ray regime is however far from complete. This project aims to obtain a complete X-ray view of the Magellanic bridge stellar population for the first-time using data from eROSITA all-sky survey and a XMM -Newton legacy survey of the MCB. In addition, the complementary data from optical, infrared and radio wavelengths will help to understand 3-D structure and kinematics of the bridge and its stellar population. This project will be done in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching, and other institutes affiliated to the eROSITA consortium. Apart from having access to the state-of-the-art proprietary data, the candidate will also have the possibility to develop ML techniques for object classification that is expected to have a broad impact in the field of population studies in external galaxies.
For more details contact: Prof. Chandreyee Maitra | E-mail: chandreyee.maitra [AT] iucaa.in
(2) Forming galaxies in the first few hundred million-year (NINJA simulations):
Summary of the project: In the standard Lamda CDM model galaxies are formed in collapsed dark matter halos. These dark matter halos are produced from the initial density and velocity perturbations that evolve through gravitational attraction. New JWST observations put stringent constraints on number of galaxies per unit volume, mass of stars in galaxies and number density of super-massive blackholes etc. We are addressing these issues using large-scale hydrodynamical-structure-formation simulations (Named NINJA) at IUCAA. The selected PDF is expected to work with these simulations to address issues related to galaxy formation and/or the IGM/CGM physics at vary early universe. Technical skill required: Good experience/knowledge in either of Physics of ISM, CGM or Galaxy. Person with experience in dealing with data from either observations or numerical simulations with a good computing knowledge preferred.
For more details contact: Prof. R. Srianand | E-mail: anand [AT] iucaa.in
(3) Gas-galaxy co-evolution using optical/NIR spectroscopy and imaging:
The postdoc will work with archival data from the Very Large Telescope (e.g., MUSE, HAWK-I) and the Hubble Space Telescope (e.g., WFC3) to study gas-galaxy co-evolution. The project involves reducing optical spectroscopic and NIR photometric data of galaxies, and using these to derive the properties of galaxies through spectral energy distribution modeling. The derived galaxy properties will be used to study various galaxy scaling relations and their dependence on stellar mass and galaxy environment. For a subset of the sample, the galaxy properties will be connected with the properties of the diffuse gas in the circumgalactic medium. Expertise in the following areas is required: (a) optical/NIR imaging and spectroscopy; (b) spectral energy distribution modeling.
For more details contact: Prof. Rajeshwari Dutta | E-mail: rajeshwari.dutta [AT] iucaa.in
(4) Gravitational Wave Instrumentation:
Applications are invited for postdoctoral positions in Gravitational Wave (GW) Detector Physics and Instrumentation related to LIGO-India. IUCAA is engaged in major activities for the LIGO-India mega-science project and works on various aspects of GW detector technology development and site preparation. Candidates with experience in any of the related experimental physics or engineering domains, such as, GW instrumentation, noise hunting in electro-mechanical systems, detector related data-analysis, laser stabilisation, Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometry, instrumentation related to seismic isolation, modelling coupled optical cavities and interferometers, MIMO control systems and related fields are encouraged to apply.
For more details contact: Prof. Sanjit Mitra | E-mail: sanjit [AT] iucaa.in
(5) Gravitational-Wave Astronomy with LIGO-India and Next-Generation Detectors:
We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on cutting-edge gravitational wave astronomy, with emphasis on GW transient searches. This project will focus on developing and implementing advanced search and source characterisation algorithms for compact binary coalescences (CBCs) using the LIGO India detector and upcoming next-generation facilities, such as the Einstein Telescope (ET) and Cosmic Explorer (CE), to boost multimessenger astronomy (MMA). The project encompasses three interconnected research themes: (1) Development of robust early warning systems and low-latency GW transient detection pipelines optimized for LIGO India's unique geographical position and noise characteristics, and (2) Innovation in rapid sky localization and parameter estimation methodologies. The research will leverage state-of-the-art ML methods to achieve sub-second parameter estimation accuracy, enabling prompt multi-messenger follow-up observations. (3) Evaluate the readiness of the GW search community in anticipation of the next generation of GW science. The project will also involve scoping out multi-messenger opportunities and synergies with various Indian astronomical facilities, preparing for a new era of collaborative discoveries. The selected candidate will work with Dr. Bhooshan Gadre and will have the opportunity to become a member of the international LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the Einstein Telescope observational Science Board.
For more details contact: Prof. Bhooshan Gadre | E-mail: bhooshan.gadre [AT] iucaa.in
(6) High-resolution stellar spectroscopy and chemical abundance analysis:
The project is focussed on high-resolution spectroscopy of pulsating variable stars to probe their chemistry through abundance analysis. The applicant will utilise high-resolution spectra of classical and type II Cepheids, RR Lyrae, and Mira variable stars from several state-of-the-art facilities UVES@VLT, HRS@SALT, ESPaDOns@CFHT to investigate a wide range of topics from radial metallicity gradient in the Milky Way to quantify the effect of composition on evolutionary and pulsation properties of these variable stars and on their period-luminosity relations. The applicant should have previous experience in stellar spectroscopy, and metallicity and abundance determinations, data analysis, and programming skills to handle large volume of spectroscopic datasets.
For more details contact: Prof. Anupam Bhardwaj | E-mail: anupam.bhardwaj [AT] iucaa.in
(7) IUCAA Rubin LSST:
IUCAA is an international contributor for the Vera Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time, an ambitious program to conduct a 10-year multiband imaging survey using a 6.5m class wide field telescope. The LSST will deliver a large database of images and derived data products which can address a variety of questions about the transient as well as the static Universe. The Rubin LSST science collaborations include the Dark Energy Science Collaboration, the Transient and Variable Stars Science Collaboration, the Galaxies Science Collaboration and the Strong Lensing Science Collaboration. IUCAA would like to hire a postdoctoral scholar to be embedded within one of these collaborations under the supervision of IUCAA Rubin LSST Principal investigators. The successful candidate(s) would obtain data rights to proprietary LSST data for the 2-year duration of the position and would carry out infrastructure work for these science collaborations in an area related to their expertise. Although a significant percentage (at least 50 percent) of the effort of the postdoctoral scholar will be directable by Rubin LSST, there will be ample opportunity for independent research work. Research experience in any of the areas of interest to the science collaboration is expected. Software carpentry skills are essential, and familiarity with the use of software repositories will be an added advantage. The applicant interested in working within the LSST Galaxy Science Collaboration, especially in the area of Low surface brightness objects (as identified in the Galaxy science roadmap), should have experience in the surface photometry of galaxies, modelling point spread function (PSF) and background, basic statistics. The primary task of the project is to develop an algorithm and software for automated detection of faint LSB and diffuse dwarf galaxies. The applicant should have python programming skills to handle imaging datasets and catalogs. The applicant interested in working within the LSST Transient and Variable Stars Science Collaboration should have experience in time-domain photometry, and mining and analysing widefield variability survey data using machine-learning methods. The specific tasks include generating light curve templates for identification and classification of pulsating variable stars and implementing those within LSST data preview. The applicant should have excellent python programming skills to handle massive volume of imaging datasets and catalogs. Previous experience in accessing data with Rubin Science Platform is desirable but is not essential.
For more details contact: Prof. Kanak Saha | E-mail: kanak [AT] iucaa.in
(8) MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS):
Survey webpage: http://mals.iucaa.in The MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS; PI: N. Gupta) is one of the ten large surveys being carried out with the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa. The MeerKAT array consists of 64 dishes with 13.5m dishes, designed to achieve high sensitivity and imaging dynamic range. The MALS is allocated 1655 hrs of MeerKAT time to carry out the most sensitive search of HI and OH absorption lines at 0<z<2, the redshift range over which most of the evolution in the star formation rate density takes place. The key science themes of the survey are: (1) Evolution of atomic and molecular gas in galaxies and relationship with star formation rate density, (2) Fuelling of active galactic nucleus (AGN), AGN feedback and dust-obscured AGNs, (3) Variation of fundamental constants of physics, (4) Evolution of magnetic fields in galaxies, and (5) Physical modeling of the ISM, Astrochemistry and Cosmology. Due to the excellent sensitivity of the MeerKAT telescope, MALS is also delivering an extremely sensitive HI 21-cm emission, radio continuum and polarization survey to address a wide range of issues at the forefront of galaxy evolution research. The detailed survey design and current status are available at: http://mals.iucaa.in. For MALS postdoctoral fellowship, we are looking for candidates with experience in observational astronomy. Demonstrated expertise in radio astronomy techniques and experience in programming languages such as C/C++ and Python are highly desirable. The main responsibility of the successful candidate will be to work closely with the MALS team on (i) automated processing of MALS data to generate science-ready continuum images and spectral line cubes, and (ii) automated source finding to generate catalogs. The infrastructure for automated processing of data and public data releases are in place. The candidate will use these and also participate in the development of new tools and techniques required for the project. It is expected that the candidate will utilize this opportunity to develop and lead research projects based on MALS datasets. For more details refer to survey webpage and/or contact: N. Gupta (ngupta@iucaa.in)
For more details contact: Prof. Neeraj Gupta | E-mail: ngupta [AT] iucaa.in
(9) Morphology of variable stellar populations in dwarf spheroidal galaxies:
The project will utilise time-series optical and near-infrared photometric data of variable stars in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies tracing their morphology, formation, and evolution. For this purpose, the postdoctoral fellow will analyse multi-wavelength datasets of distance indicators such as classical Cepheids, RR Lyrae, Tip of the red giant branch, AGB stars in nearby dwarf galaxies - Draco, Sextans, Fornax, Sculptor, Ursa Minor, and Leo I obtained with CFHT-WIRCam, Gemini-F2, and VLT-HAWKI telescopes, and complement these datasets with those from time-domain surveys such as Gaia and ZTF, and LSST. The applicant should have previous experience in time-series photometric data reduction, data mining and analysis.
For more details contact: Prof. Anupam Bhardwaj | E-mail: anupam.bhardwaj [AT] iucaa.in
(10) Optical fiber based quantum enhanced distributed acoustic sensing:
The present gravitational wave detector's sensitivities are mainly limited by the residual acoustic/ Newtonian noise coupled to the detector. Further improvement of the detector sensitivity is expected by the development of sensors capable of detecting these noises along the detector arms with unprecedented accuracy. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using an underground optical fiber shall replace the seismometer array and have a much more extensive coverage area. The DAS has a wide range of applications, including active noise cancellation of the gravitational wave detectors and also for long-range seismometry, seismic noise monitoring, early warning of tsunami / volcanic eruption, early detection of cracks in flyover, surveillance of unwanted underground activities that fall out of the visual range of satellites, and many more. At IUCAA, we are working on a novel approach to realizing the DAS, and we have already demonstrated seismic wave detection. Under the scope of this position, the selected candidate is expected to upgrade and fine-tune the developed DAS technology. For these, hands-on expertise in optics, electronics, and Python programming will be essential. For any further technical query or discussion about the project or lab visit, interested candidates may feel free to contact Prof. Subhadeep De (subhadeep@iucaa.in), principal investigator of this project.
For more details contact: Prof. Subhadeep De | E-mail: subhadeep [AT] iucaa.in
(11) SUIT Project:
The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune the Principal Investigator institute for the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) on board Indias first dedicated solar mission, Aditya-L1 invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Researcher in solar physics. SUIT is delivering unprecedented full-disk and region-of-interest images of the Suns photosphere and chromosphere recorded in near and mid ultraviolet (200 - 400 nm), enabling cutting-edge studies of solar irradiance variations, active region dynamics in the photosphere and chromosphere. For more about SUIT: http://suit.iucaa.in The successful candidate will: Develop and apply advanced data processing, calibration, and analysis techniques. Work with unique SUIT observations across multiple narrow-band and broadband filters. Perform high-level analysis of solar features and events. Integrate SUIT data with other space- and ground-based observations for multiwavelength studies. Contribute to high-impact publications and international collaborations. We are looking for: Ph.D. in Solar Physics, Astrophysics, or a related discipline. Proven expertise in solar data analysis and scientific programming (Python/IDL). Experience with SunPy and SSWIDL will be desirable. Strong motivation for independent and collaborative research. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of solar astrophysics with direct access to first-of-its-kind data from Indias flagship solar mission. The successful candidate will work with Prof. Durgesh Tripathi and Prof. A N Ramaprakash.
For more details contact: Prof. Durgesh Tripathi | E-mail: durgesh [AT] iucaa.in
(12) Solar Active Regions & Flares:
The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work on solar active regions and flares using multi-instrument, multi-wavelength observations. The successful candidate will explore the dynamics and energetics of solar active regions and flares through coordinated analysis of (but not limited to): SUIT (Aditya-L1) near-ultraviolet imaging of the photosphere and chromosphere IRIS high-resolution UV spectroscopy and imaging SDO/AIA multi-wavelength EUV imaging Solar Orbiter remote sensing datasets Responsibilities: Process, calibrate, and co-align datasets from multiple space missions. Investigate flare initiation, evolution, and energy release mechanisms. Perform quantitative analysis linking chromospheric, transition region, and coronal diagnostics. Publish results in leading journals and present at major conferences. Requirements: Ph.D. in Solar Physics, Astrophysics, or a related field. Experience with solar observational data analysis and scientific programming (Python, IDL, or similar). Strong background in research in solar active region or flare research will be a plus. Ability to work in a collaborative, multi-institutional environment. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of solar astrophysics with direct access to first-of-its-kind data from Indias flagship solar mission. The successful candidate will work with Prof. Durgesh Tripathi and the Solar Physics Group at IUCAA.
For more details contact: Prof. Durgesh Tripathi | E-mail: durgesh [AT] iucaa.in
