Postdoctoral Position – Solar Radio Astronomy and Machine Learning

Join a vibrant research group in revealing the processes that govern solar eruptions and the acceleration of solar energetic particles. Explore rich datasets of low-frequency solar radio imaging observations. Develop state-of-the-art machine learning and deep learning models for automated processing of large radio data and characterising eruptive features with unprecedented detail. Help develop a professional radioastronomical observatory!

The heliophysics research group at the Institute of Astronomy and National Astronomical Observatory (IANAO) of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher to study the coronal structure and activity by employing multi-wavelength observations and low-frequency radio imaging observations by the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) and Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescopes. The position is available starting immediately for a duration of one year, extendable by an additional year upon satisfactory performance. Very competitive salary and ample conference travel funds are offered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The successful candidate will actively participate in the development of near-real time space weather radio pipelines in collaboration with researchers from The Netherlands Institute of Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) and the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies (DIAS). The researcher will help develop and employ techniques for solar interferometric observations, as well as machine learning models for feature classification. He/She will participate in the building of the Bulgarian LOFAR-BG station, which is expected to begin operation in 2025.

Requirements:

Applicants must hold or near completion of a PhD in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics, with a focus in radio astronomy, heliophysics, or a closely related field. Previous experience in scientific programming in Python, Sunpy, CASA or similar, Linux/Unix environments, version control (svn, git), and machine learning will be considered an advantage.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should contact Assoc. Prof. Kamen Kozarev (kkozarev@astro.bas.bg), arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent to Dr. Kozarev, and provide

1) a cover letter describing their experience and research interests,

2) a curriculum vitae,

3) a list of relevant publications.

Additional Information:

The position is part of the 5-year CAREER-type project ”Modeling and ObServAtional Integrated Investigations of Coronal Solar Eruptions” (MOSAIICS), funded by the National Science Fund of Bulgaria. The project is led by Assoc. Prof. Kamen Kozarev.