• Master of Sciences in physics or mathematics (to be completed by the start date)
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken
• Solid computational background
• Strong writing and communication skills compatible with an entry-level research position.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Effective teamwork skills and collaborative mindset

The successful candidate will engage in a rigorous PhD program that involves a demanding travel schedule, including mandatory secondments with both industrial and academic partners. Participation in a variety of training sessions, dissemination activities, and outreach events will also be required. Given the nature of the program, the ability to adapt quickly to new environments and a willingness to travel frequently are essential.

The successful candidate will be offered a 48-month scholarship contract which includes insurance and pension scheme with a very competitive annual salary (36 paid by MSCA, and 12 by NCAC PAS). Additional allowances may be available based on family circumstances, in accordance with the MSCA provisions.

The recruited researcher will have the opportunity to work within an international and multidisciplinary team that includes 11 doctoral candidates spread in 10 universities across Europe, a total of 14 astrophysics research groups and 8 industrial partners that are active in the fields of data science or education. 

As part of the TALES Doctorate Researcher program, the candidate will benefit from a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities through targeted training events. They will acquire a unique skill set that bridges astrophysical modeling, astronomical observations, and data science, positioning them at the forefront of interdisciplinary research in these fields.

The following conditions apply to the offered position:

Applicants must be Doctoral Candidates, i.e., not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.

Trans-national mobility: The applicant — at the date of recruitment — should not have resided in the country where the research training takes place for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment, and not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country. For refugees under the Geneva Convention (1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol), the refugee procedure (i.e. before refugee status is conferred) will not be counted as ‘period of residence/activity in the country of the beneficiary’. 

For the application, candidates should provide their complete application documents including:

1. The application for admission to the doctoral school together with GDPR statement (following the templates available for download in the online application form; address given below).
2. A copy of their master’s/university and bachelor’s degree diplomas. In case master’s degree diploma is not yet available, it must be provided before the candidate is admitted to the school.
3. A transcript of grades (Bachelor and Master Courses).
4. A Curriculum Vitae including an education and employment records, list of publications, information on involvement in scientific activities – membership in scientific groups/societies, participation in scientific conferences, internships and training, awards and distinctions.
5. A letter of motivation containing a short description of the candidate's interests and scientific achievements, and justification of the intention to undertake education at the Doctoral School.
6. English language certificate(s), if available.

All documents should be in the PDF format, including scans, and should be submitted via an electronic system available at: https://geoplanetschool.erk24.pl/erk/index.php.
The application deadline is March 1st, 2025. In addition to application documents given above, at least one recommendation letter should be sent directly by the referee to: phdstudies@camk.edu.pl, before the application deadline (March 1st). 

Following the initial screening of the applications, a short list of up to 5 candidates will be invited to interviews that will consist of a 15 minutes oral presentation by the applicants on their research experience and up to 45 minutes of questions and general discussion.

Questions about the position can be sent to: prof. Agata Różańska (agata@camk.edu.pl).

Complete information on recruitment to the GeoPlanet Doctoral School can be found at NCAC website: https://www.camk.edu.pl/en/archiwum/2025/01/30/recruitment-20252026/. For additional information contact the coordinator of the doctoral school, Dr. Radosław Smolec (smolec@camk.edu.pl).

The selection process will adhere to the code of conduct for the recruitment of researchers. 

The Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center (NCAC PAS), a leading institute of the GeoPlanet Doctoral School. The PhD studies are related to subjects pursued at CAMK PAN including observational and theoretical astrophysics as well as cosmology.

Our senior scientists participate in the H.E.S.S., CTA, Hyper-Kamiokande, GADMC, DarkSide, LUMI-Q, and VIRGO/LIGO/Kagra, ET and EGO projects and are involved in instrumental projects concerning the astronomical satellites eROSITA, ARCUS and ATHENA. NCAC PAS represents the Polish astronomical community in the SALT consortium which operates an 11-m optical telescope in South Africa. The Center's scientists are leading participants in the Polish scientific satellite project, BRITE, dedicated to precise stellar brightness measurements, and in the project ARAUCARIA, dedicated to the calibration of the cosmological distance scale. They also operate Cerro Murphy Observatory in Chile and SOLARIS – a network of southern hemisphere small robotic telescopes committed to stellar astronomy, the search for exoplanets, and quantum satellite communication.

All seminars and lectures are in English. Students based in Warsaw may apply for accommodation in the student house run by our Center.