Job Information
- Organisation/Company
- University of Iceland
- Department
- Physics Department at the University of Iceland
- Research Field
- Physics
- Researcher Profile
- First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Country
- Iceland
- Application Deadline
- Type of Contract
- Temporary
- Job Status
- Full-time
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
- European Union / Next Generation EU
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
- No
Offer Description
A PhD student position in experimental astrophysics with a focus on the development of next-generation microwave telescopes is open for applications. The program will take place within the Physics Department at the University of Iceland. The position is funded for three years with funds from the European Research Council. Among other projects, the PhD student will take a leadership role in the design of a next-generation NASA balloon-borne telescope, designed to measure the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB).
Main tasks
The PhD student will join the CMBeam team (http://cmbeam.com/). Our primary aim is to develop algorithms, measurement systems, and methodologies that benefit in the design and calibration of next-generation telescopes used to study the cosmic microwave background (CMB).
Future experiments mapping the cosmic microwave background (CMB) are designed to revolutionize our understanding of the infant universe, the standard model of particle physics, structure formation, and the nature of dark matter. A key effort involves furthering our understanding of the birth of the first stars and the properties of neutrinos.
Today, several experiments are quantifying the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). Among these experiments is Taurus, a stratospheric payload that is expected to deploy from Wanaka, New Zealand, in 2027. The Taurus superpressure balloon experiment, funded by NASA, is designed to provide state-of-the-art data on the large-scale polarization of the cosmic microwave background andGalactic foregrounds. These data help us understand measurement conducted by the flagship CMB experiment of the last decade, the Planck satellite, and provide an invaluable insight for ground-based CMB observatories that are now coming online.
The student is expected to collaborate with other physicists, both at the University of Iceland, as well as other institutions across the world, including Europe, the US, and Japan. The student will work under the guidance of Prof. Jon E. Gudmundsson.
The PhD work can have components from a combination of instrumentation, microwave measurement techniques, and data-analysis.
Requirements
- Research Field
- Physics
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Master's degree in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, applied mathematics or related subjects.
- A good programming background in Python (or similar programming language).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work both individually and in groups.
- Experience with the design and assembly of electronics and/or any other engineering devices is beneficial.
- Experience using Unix-like operating systems and the distributed computing is beneficial.
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Level
- Excellent
- Research Field
- Physics
Additional Information
The hiring is contingent on the candidate applying formally for the PhD program at the University of Iceland at the corresponding department and that the application is approved by the faculty.
More information
Wages according to the current collective agreement by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and the relevant trade union.
The student is expected to begin the studies no later than September 2024.
Application process
Applications must include:
- CV (including any publications).
- A research statement (roughly one page of text), explaining why you would like to join us in this project and what you may contribute to the project.
- Course transcript from bachelor and master's work. A copy is sufficient; an official translation is not necessary at this stage.
- A half page about your research interests and your strength.
- Names and contact information (workplace and email address) of 2-3 individuals willing to provide a letter of reference.
- If possible, a digital copy of the master's thesis text (no matter what language) and/or any publications or previous thesis that the student has written.
All applicants will be informed about the results when a decision has been made. The application can be valid for six months from the end of the application deadline.
Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland. https://english.hi.is/node/50017
The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy. https://english.hi.is/node/24581/
The University of Iceland is the largest teaching, research and science institute in Iceland. The University of Iceland is a flourishing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the development of the study programs and research in all fields within the realm of the University. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs approximately 390 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, where currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international, and that number is increasing each year. The school has around 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing are paramount.
Job percentage: 100%
Application deadline until end of: 15.1.2024
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- University of Iceland
- Country
- Iceland
- Geofield
Where to apply
- Website
Contact
- City
- Reykjavík
- Website
- Street
- Sæmundargata 6
- Postal Code
- 101
- jegudmunds@hi.is