Applications are invited for Airbus Postdoctoral Prize Fellowships at the Astrophysical Relativity group of the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (ICTS-TIFR) in Bangalore, India. The fellowships are part of the International Teaching and Research Chair titled “Mathematics of Complex Systems,” funded by the Airbus Foundation.
Eligibility
The fellowships 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 Astronomy with excellent track record. Although PhDs in gravitational-wave physics, relativistic astrophysics, cosmology, etc. are preferred, highly motivated candidates from other areas of physics and astronomy 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 three 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 a junior faculty member in India (Rs. 60,000 per month). In addition, a research grant of Rs. 200,000 per annum is also available, apart from relocation allowances and medical benefits. Fellows will also have the opportunity to apply for additional travel and research grants offered by the national funding agencies. Fellows can also opt for free campus accommodation or a house rent allowance of Rs. 15,000 per month.
On ICTS-TIFR
Established in 2007, ICTS is a new initiative in Indian science. Its aim is to foster excellence in the basic sciences through its programs, interactions and cross-fertilization between disciplines and be a node for scientific information and values. Apart from organizing and hosting a large number of visitor-driven academic programs, ICTS is also in the process of developing a world-class in-house research program. Current focus of the in-house research, driven by a team of young and vibrant faculty, is on astrophysical relativity, biophysics, data assimilation and dynamical systems, statistical physics and turbulence, and string theory and quantum gravity. ICTS also has a strong visitor and associates program. A state-of-the-art residential campus will be ready by early 2015. Starting from 2015, all the ICTS programs will be organized at the new campus and the fellows will have the opportunity to be part of this vibrant academic environment. ICTS is located in Bangalore, a highly cosmopolitan city, the IT hub of India, that boasts a pleasant and moderate climate, known as the garden city of India.
Astrophysical Relativity at ICTS
The Astrophysical Relativity group at ICTS includes Parameswaran Ajith (in-house faculty), Bala Iyer (Airbus visiting professor), Tarun Souradeep, Rana Adhikari (adjunct faculty), Archisman Ghosh, Chandra Kant Mishra, Nathan K. Johnson-McDaniel, Arunava Mukherjee (postdoctoral scholars), K. G. Arun, Sascha Husa, Mark Hannam, Badri Krishnan (faculty associates) and several graduate students. Adjunct/associate faculty members are expected to spend several weeks at ICTS every year. The group is part of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and has strong involvement in the IndIGO consortium and the proposed LIGO-India project. The group is the main beneficiary of the 1300-core computing cluster at ICTS that is currently available. In addition, a dedicated LIGO Tier-3 computing facility is expected to be set up at the Centre by the end of 2015.
How to apply
Interested candidates are requested to apply online at http://www.icts.res.in/airbus-fellowships with their CV, list of publications, a research proposal of not more than two pages, and a covering letter (PDF). Please also arrange three recommendation letters to be directly sent to eads.fellowships@icts.res.in by e-mail. The nominal deadline is 31 January 2015; but applications will be considered until the positions are filled. The nominal starting date of 1 September 2015 is negotiable. Informal queries may be addressed to ajith@icts.res.in.
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