Assistant young researcher in the field of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

We welcome candidates for assistant young researcher (doctoral candidate) position at the student-friendly and research-oriented University of Nova Gorica. Successful candidate will join research activities in the dynamic research environment supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure through involvement in international research collaborations. Successful candidate will enroll in the appropriate postgraduate study program at the Graduate school of the University of Nova Gorica.

The position pertain to the following PhD adviser:

1. mentor: prof. dr.:Serguei Vorobiov: 1 position

Research Topic: Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

The selected candidate will work at the Center for Astrophysics and Cosmology of the University of Nova Gorica (UNG) in the domain of multi-messenger studies of the origin of ultra-high energy (UHE, > 1 EeV = 10¹⁸ eV) cosmic rays (CRs) using the upgraded Pierre Auger Observatory. The Pierre Auger Observatory, of which we are members, is the largest UHECR detector in the world, deployed over 3000 km² in Argentinian pampa. From 2024 onwards the Observatory, following the completion of its major AugerPrime upgrade, will provide additional measurements of UHECR-induced extensive air showers that will enable better separation of secondary muons and electromagnetic particles. This will yield new information on the primary mass composition of cosmic rays for each UHECR event separately and further improve the sensitivity of the Pierre Auger Observatory to primary UHE photons and neutrinos.

We expect the candidate to be actively involved in the analysis of the data of the upgraded Pierre Auger Observatory. The training of the doctoral student will take place within the basic research program P1-0031 Multimessenger astrophysics, where UNG is the leading institution. In the case of successful advancement of doctoral study and research, the candidate's participation in related physics research topics of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory will be also possible.

Candidates for this position are required to meet the conditions for young researcher as stated in the Rules on selection and founding of young researchers  at University of Nova Gorica.

Conditions for the selection of a young researcher candidate:

• Has not yet completed a doctorate in science or obtained the title of doctor of science;
• Has not yet been employed as a young researcher;
• No more than four years have elapsed since the year of completion of their second cycle

 programme of study or the programme of study leading to eligibility for admission to the  

doctoral programme. In the event of absence due to parental care after the completion of the study programme, with which they have enrolled/will enrol in doctoral studies, this period shall be extended for the duration of the justified absence. In the case of justified absence determined in the health insurance regulations, after the completion of the study programme, with which they have enrolled/will enrol in doctoral studies, this period shall be extended only in the case of continuous absence of more than six months (absence of more than six months means at least six months and one day), and only for the duration of the justified absence.

Prior to the beginning of the funding of the training, the young researcher shall obtain the habilitation title assistant. Conditions for obtain the habilitation title assistant are set out in the Article 4 of Regulations concerning conditions and appointment procedures for research and teaching positions at the University of Nova Gorica.

Criteria for the evaluation and selection of young researcher candidates:

• Assessment of the interview with the candidate (up to 5 points); Published papers (up to 3 points);
• Participation in research work (up to 3 points);
• Awards or recognitions received (up to 1 point);
• The average grade of the second cycle study programme or the study programme which        

            qualifies the candidate for admission to the doctoral programme (1 point for an average     

            grade between 9 and 10 inclusive and 0.5 point for an average grade between 8 and 8.99

            inclusive).

The selected young researcher not having completed his second cycle study when applying to the tender must complete his study by 15 September at the latest.

University of Nova Gorica shall conclude employment contract with the selected young researcher candidate.

Young researchers' training shall be funded until they have obtained a PhD or for a maximum of four years.

The provisions of the Act on Scientific Research and Innovation Activities (UL. RS., 186/2021), the Employment Relations Act ZDR-1, the Rules on the Selection and Founding of Young Researchers and Regulations concerning conditions and appointment procedures for research and teaching positions at the University of Nova Gorica shall be applied in the selection process of young researchers.

The following must be attached to the application:

• a short motivational letter;
• CV;
• a copy of your degree certificate, list of passed exams, grade point average and other relevant documents.

Please send your application, along with the required attachments which evidence the fulfillment of the formal requirements by e-mail to careers@ung.si no later than 14 April 2024.

The application should be sent as a single PDF e-mail attachment.