We are offering a 3-year post-doctoral position in time-domain astronomy at the Institute of Cosmos Sciences at the University of Barcelona (ICCUB), Spain. The postdoctoral researcher will join the research group led by Dr. Nadejda Blagorodnova, funded by the European Research Council (ERC) Project CET-3PO.

The group research will focus on the study of the common envelope phase in massive binaries with observations of luminous red novae (LRNe) transients, their progenitors, and their precursor emission. As a member of the research group, the postdoctoral researcher will have privileged access to data and observational resources from the BlackGEM survey partnership, and will be involved in the large international collaborations of Transients and Variable Stars Science Collaboration (LSST), and ZTF.

The first year of the position will primarily focus on: 1) identification of likely LRNe progenitors in nearby galaxies, and 2) development and optimization of selection strategies for the early detection of LRNe and their precursors from alerts issued by LSST, BlackGEM and ZTF transient surveys. Subsequent research will focus on the coordinated follow-up of LRNe and other astrophysical transients (depending on the interests of the candidate), and the observational multi-wavelength study exploiting the early scientific results of the surveys. The successful candidate will be encouraged to take part in the supervision of master students and/or PhD students.

Applicants must have a PhD in Physics, Astrophysics or related fields, or be on track to obtain it by the time the contract starts. Previous experience in observational astronomy, computational astronomy, astrostatistics, or large transient surveys would be appreciated. Positions can start as early as October 2022, but no later than January 2023. Gross annual salary will be in the range of 40 to 46 k€, depending on experience, with included social security and public healthcare benefits, covering spouse and children. A generous research and travel allowance is also provided.

Applications should be in English, and must include the following:

• CV
• Publication list
• Statement of research interests (max 3 pages)
• Two letters of reference. These should be sent directly to cet3po@gmail.com
• email subject*

  CET3PO CODI RN002256250422

The review process will start immediately, but applications will be considered until the position is filled.

We regard diversity as an asset within a team, and welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The ICCUB is an interdisciplinary center hosting a vibrant fundamental research program in cosmology, astrophysics and particle physics, with a strong technology unit supporting our participation in international collaborations in observational astronomy and experimental particle physics.

Acronym*  CET-3PO

Project title*  Common Envelope Transients – Progenitors, Precursors, and Properties of their Outbursts

IP*  Nadejda Blagorodnova Mujortova

Department*  Department of Quantum Physics and Astrophysics

Gross salary per year*  40 – 46 k€