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Postdoctoral position on experimental gamma-ray astronomy with the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands to work on the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO). The research of this project focuses on developing a software framework for calibrating the cameras of the Small-Sized Telescopes. In addition, 30% of the time is set apart for CTAO-related research, preferentially in the field of Galactic cosmic and gamma rays.

The candidate will join the group of Prof. Manuela Vecchi, whose members work on experimental astroparticle physics. The group is active in detecting gamma rays in the framework of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory and the High Energy Stereoscopic System. Research interests include the identification of cosmic-ray sources, indirect dark matter searches with gamma rays and cosmic rays, and machine-learning algorithms for event reconstruction. The group is also involved in measuring galactic cosmic rays with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02).

The postdoc position is funded by the Dutch Research Council NWO in the framework of the project “A major Dutch contribution to CTAO by building cameras for the next generation gamma-ray observatory (NL CTA) ”.

The appointment is initially for two years, and renewable for a third year based on performance. The starting date is preferably starting in January 2025 (another starting date is possible and can be negotiated). The position includes a competitive salary and full social benefits. Applicants should have completed their PhD in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics or a closely related area prior to the beginning of the appointment.

Application procedure and deadline:
Applicants should provide:
- A Curriculum Vitae
- A List of publications
- A research statement, which describes past and current research and your scientific interests (up to 2 pages);

Applications should be sent by email in PDF format to cta-jobs rug.nl

Applications received by October 1st, 2024 will receive full consideration. Applicants should also arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent to the same address by the same date. The position will be kept open until filled.

The Kapteyn Astronomical Institute is part of the Netherlands Research School for Astronomy (NOVA) and is recognised worldwide for the quality of its research in multiple areas of astronomy. With 15 faculty and 50 PhD students, it is the second-largest astronomical institute in the Netherlands. Groningen, a historic town in the northern Netherlands, occupies a strategic place in Dutch astronomy, hosting both the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, the low-energy astrophysics division of the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON) and the NOVA sub-mm lab. The Kapteyn Institute has a strong connection with the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) in Dwingeloo, a European centre of radio astronomy research. Staff and PhD students at the Kapteyn Institute frequently collaborate with SRON and ASTRON scientists and engineers. There are also strong interdisciplinary connections with other institutes in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. English is the common language spoken at the institute.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of the mission of the University of Groningen and the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, as outlined at https://www.rug.nl/(...)rsity-and-inclusion/. We embrace diversity and seek candidates who will create a climate that attracts curious students and researchers of all races, nationalities, and genders.

Groningen (https://www.visitgroningen.nl/en) is a historic university town in the northern Netherlands with a population of approximately 230,000 people, of which almost 25% are students. This makes Groningen the city in the Netherlands with the highest student population density, the youngest city in the country, and one of the youngest in Europe. Groningen offers a very high quality of life, surrounded by beautiful nature, and is a lively city with a remarkably diverse cultural scene. You can find more information on https://www.groningenlife.nl/en.