ERC-funded postdoctoral position in pulsar timing array astrophysics, data analysis and inference, at Milano-Bicocca

More info:  external link
Deadline:  2021-12-01

Location:  Milan, Italy

The B Massive research group at Universita` di Milano Bicocca is inviting for expressions of interest for one postdoctoral research positions in the field of gravitational wave astrophysics, with a specific focus on analysis of Pulsar Timing Array (PTA) data and astrophysical inference of massive black hole binaries (MBHBs).

The successful candidates will join Prof. Alberto Sesana and the core team of ‘B Massive’, an ERC CoG funded project aimed at tackling all the facets of the astrophysics of massive black hole binaries.

We are particularly looking for candidates with a background either in Bayesian data analysis or PTA modelling/analysis/inference. Experience with analysis software such as Tempo2, Enterprise, libstempo, temponest etc etc. is welcome although not strictly necessary. The successful applicant will earn European PTA (EPTA) and international PTA (IPTA) membership and will join the ongoing worldwide effort to detect gravitational waves with the latest PTA data. The B Massive group is currently one of the driving forces in PTA analysis and MBHB inference in Europe.

We are offering a 2+1 year appointment starting as early as Spring 2022 and no later than Fall 2022. The ERC funding guarantees a generous salary, competitive with the highest European standards for this type of position.

The Bicocca astro group has a strong expertise in massive as well a stellar black hole astrophysics, dynamics and gravitational waves (Prof. Monica Colpi, Prof. Massimo Dotti, Prof. Davide Gerosa, Prof. Alberto Sesana and visiting Prof. Francesco Haardt), relativistic numerical simulations of compact objects (Prof. Bruno Giacomazzo), observations of high redshift galaxies and black holes (Prof. Michele Fumagalli, Prof. Sebastiano Cantalupo). It is a lively group with ~15 PRDA and ~10 PhD students, weekly seminars and astro coffees. It also have tight connections with the observatories of Brera and Merate. It is located close to the centre of Milan, the most lively and international city in Italy, 1h away from the beautiful Como Lake and the stunning Alps.

Candidates must have a PhD degree in physics, astronomy or a related discipline. Applications should consist of a cover letter, a brief statement of research interests, a curriculum vitae including publication list, and at least two letters of recommendation. All materials should be sent electronically as soon as possible to the attention of Prof. Alberto Sesana to the email address alberto.sesana@unimib.it, by December 1st, 2021.

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