Contact: guy.perrin[AT]obspm.frLocation: Paris Observatory / Meudon
Paris Observatory/LESIA, is part of the consortium who is building the GRAVITY instrument for the ESO VLT Interferometer. GRAVITY will provide direct observations of the Galactic Center at unprecedented angular resolution and astrometric accuracy. LESIA and LUTh have created the GR ray tracing code GYOTO to model flare events and to study relativistic effects on stars orbiting SgrA*. GRAVITY has successfully seen first light in October 2015.
The successful candidate will work in the GRAVITY team at LESIA. He/she will participate to the study of relativistic effects to be measured on stars orbiting the black hole and will be in charge of designing methods and tools to detect and measure the relativistic precession of orbits, to determine the spin and possibly the quadrupolar moment of the black hole and test both general relativity and black hole theory. Orbits and relativistic effects will be modeled with GYOTO as appropriate. He/she will also have the possibility to define projects in accord with the LESIA team.
We are looking for applicants with experience in general relativity and in the use of relativistic ray tracing codes. We will select an applicant who is able to quickly take part to this research, implement ideas with GYOTO, build on the achievements of the group and propose original directions.
The position is for two years, the second year is subject to satisfactory performance.
Application material : curriculum vitae, publication list, short statement of research interest (maximum 2 pages), at least one letter of recommendation.
Included Benefits: Health insurance, research financial support