Contact: ajith[AT]icts.res.inLocation: Bangalore, India
Applications are invited for one EADS Postdoctoral Prize Fellowship at the Astrophysical Relativity group of the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences – Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (ICTS-TIFR) in Bangalore, India. The fellowship is part of the International Teaching and Research Chair titled “Mathematics of Complex Systems”, funded by the EADS Foundation.
ELIGIBILITY
The fellowship is offered in the area of gravitational-wave- physics and astronomy, including analytical- and numerical relativity, high-performance computing, data analysis etc. Candidates are expected to have a PhD in Physics or Astrophysics with an excellent track record. Although PhDs in gravitational-wave physics, relativistic astrophysics, cosmology etc. are preferred, candidates from other areas with strong analytical and computational skills will also be considered.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The initial appointment will be for two years, with a possibility of extension up to four years. Renewal for the third year will depend on a comprehensive review of the scientific activity of the Fellow. The salary will be comparable to that of an assistant professor in India (Rs. 50,000 per month during the first year, with 10% increase in subsequent years). In addition, a research grant of Rs. 150,000 per annum is also available, apart from relocation allowances and medical benefits. Fellows can also opt for Institute accommodation or a house rent allowance that amounts to 30% of the fellowship.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates are requested to apply online (see link below) with their CV, list of publications, a research proposal of not more than two pages, and a covering letter. The nominal deadline is 31 July 2013; but applications will be considered until the positions are filled. The nominal starting date of 1 October 2013 is negotiable. Informal queries may be addressed to P. Ajith (ajith@icts.res.in).
ASTROPHYSICAL RELATIVITY AT ICTS
The Astrophysical Relativity group includes P. Ajith (faculty member), Bala Iyer, Tarun Souradeep, Rana Adhikari (adjunct faculty), Manjari Bagchi, Chandra Kant Mishra, Archisman Ghosh (senior postdoctoral scholars). K. G. Arun, Sascha Husa and Mark Hannam are visiting associates. Adjunct faculty members and visiting associates are expected to spend from several weeks to a few months every year at ICTS. Several undergraduate and graduate students are also expected to join the group this year. The group has strong involvement in the proposed LIGO-India project, the IndIGO consortium and the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. In addition, the group expects to develop close collaborations with the astrophysics and gravitational physics groups of the neighboring Indian Institute of Science and Raman Research Institute, in addition to other research groups of ICTS. The group is organizing a one-month long ICTS program in numerical relativity during June-July 2013. Such programs are expected to be organized regularly. A high-performance computer cluster will be available at the Centre starting from June. In addition, group members will have access to several large clusters in India and abroad.
LIVING IN BANGALORE
Bangalore, known as the Garden City of India, is the center of India’s information technology sector, and is home to many distinguished educational and research institutions. Bangalore is among the most cosmopolitan and demographically diverse cities in India. Due to its high elevation, Bangalore enjoys a pleasant and moderate climate. The city is well connected by road, rail and air to all major Indian cities. Bangalore also has excellent air connectivity to major international cities.
A new analysis of faculty salaries at public universities worldwide — designed to make comparisons possible by focusing on purchasing power, not pure salaries — has found that Indian salaries are among the best in the world, as compared to the cost of living.
LINKS
Online application form: http://www.icts.res.in/news/details/131/
International Centre for Theoretical Sciences: http://icts.res.in/
Astrophysical Relativity Group at ICTS: http://www.icts.res.in/additional_page/594/
Bangalore: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangalore
Faculty Pay, Around the World: http://tinyurl.com/facultysalaries