PhD position in applying machine learning methods to the detection of weak signals in radio-astronomical observations

Tartu Observatory invites applications for a PhD position focused on the development of machine-learning-based software for weak-signal extraction from radio astronomical line observations and its scientific application, under the supervision of Dr Boris Deshev.

This fully funded, four-year position is intended for candidates with a strong background in machine learning, neural networks, and scientific software development in Python, alongside an interest in galaxy evolution. The main goal of the project is to develop a robust and broadly applicable emission-line detection tool for radio astronomical data, with the explicit aim of delivering software that will be made available to the wider research community.

The project requires both research ability and a solid grounding in modern scientific software development. The successful candidate should be comfortable writing clear, maintainable code, using version control, and building reproducible workflows. The position also has a strong scientific component: the developed software will be applied to archival observations to improve our understanding of gas accretion onto galaxies, and the successful candidate will be expected to produce publishable results and take a leading role in producing the peer-reviewed papers required for the PhD.

The successful candidate must hold an MSc degree, or equivalent, by the expected start date of September 2026. The admitted doctoral researcher will be employed as a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Tartu.

Tartu Observatory is the main centre for astrophysical research in Estonia and is located a 40-minute bus ride from Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city. Tartu offers a vibrant international environment. The University of Tartu, founded in 1632, is the largest and oldest university in Estonia, hosting ~15,000 students actively participating in research from Arts and Humanities to Science and Technology and producing over 100 PhD degrees annually.

For more information about the PhD studies at the University of Tartu, see https://ut.ee/en/doctoral-studies

For general information about studying in Estonia, see https://www.studyinestonia.ee/