Postdoctoral researcher for lightning studies using LOFAR radio telescope
Job Summary
DWINGELOO
Netherlands
Job Description
Do you yearn to contribute to ground-breaking research on lightning studies and share those extraordinary discoveries with the world? Are you a postdoc researcher/scientist who is eager to explore the wonders of the universe whilst contributing to pushing boundaries with a visionary mindset? If this resonates with you, then we offer an exciting opportunity!
We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a strong background in data analysis and interest in exploring the physics of radio emission from lightning using data from the LOFAR radio telescope.
You will perform independent research on terrestrial lightning data obtained with the LOFAR radio telescope.
Despite being a common and energetic event, lightning on Earth is still poorly understood. We do not know how it initiates, propagates, or even why it emits radio energy. Our group uses the LOFAR radio telescope which, although primarily designed for radio astronomical research, provides extremely precise and accurate images of terrestrial lightning propagation with nanosecond and meter-scale resolution that allows us to probe lightning on the small scales needed to uncover the physics behind lightning phenomena.
In this project the researcher will use LOFAR data to analyze lightning in order to understand how lightning propagates and develops, where there is flexibility to adjust for the researcher's interests. For example; a specialist in antenna systems could work to improve our model of LOFAR antennas, a computer scientist could help automate our existing pipelines, a radio interferometry expert could help to improve our analyses, or a lightning scientist could use our already-existing techniques to investigate lightning phenomena.
We offer an environment where you work alongside experts from various fields and where we have a culture of mutual support and respect. This makes the inspirational environment at ASTRON the biggest playground to innovate where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive and grow.
Requirements
Calling all talented Postdoc researchers/Scientists who:
- Have A PhD degree in physics, astronomy, engineering or a related discipline (or close to finishing);
- Have experience in experimental data analysis;
- Have good verbal and written communication in English;
- Have strong programming skills (C, C++, Fortran, or Python);
- Have skill sets in statistics, antenna systems, and Fourier-frequency based analysis is a plus.
Additional information
The researcher will be based at ASTRON, but will be asked to visit the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute in Groningen once a week.
More information about ASTRON can be found on our website www.astron.nl. For more information on the content of this vacancy, please contact Brian Hare, [email protected]. For more information on vacancy procedure, please contact ASTRON HR at [email protected].
Compensation and Benefits
- A full-time (38 hours/week) temporary appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of two years.
- A gross monthly salary, on a full-time basis, in the range of €3.241 to € 4,823, depending on relevant experience.
- A holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.33% of the gross annual salary;
- A solid pension scheme (ABP);
- 42 vacation days per year on a full-time basis:
- Employment conditions tailored to your needs (part-time appointment, parental leave, working from home, etc.):
- Opportunities and encouragement to grow and develop yourself and your career:
- Ambitious colleagues driven by collaboration in an international work environment:
- Beautiful premises in the heart of one of Drenthe's National Parks.
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