B Massive

Call of interest: ERC-funded postdoctoral positions in pulsar timing array data analysis, interpretation and multimessenger astrophysics with large surveys databases at Universita` di Milano Bicocca, Italy

The Universita` di Milano Bicocca invites expressions of interest for several postdoctoral research positions in the field pulsar timing array data analysis, interpretation and multimessenger astrophysics with the use of large surveys databases.

The successful candidates will join Prof. Alberto Sesana and the PINGU team, funded by an ERC AdG project aimed at perfecting our understanding of the low frequency gravitational wave (GW) universe with pulsar timing arrays (PTAs).

The goal of PINGU is to merge our understanding of the universe as we know it from electromagnetic observation with the low frequency GW sky, to pin down the origin of the nano-Hz GW signal detected by PTAs and learn from it.
Thus, we are particularly looking for candidates with strong background in MBHB astrophysical modeling, gravitational wave detection and/or data analysis and inference with pulsar timing arrays, as well as astronomers with experience in working with all-sky galaxy survey products and applying advanced statistical tools to large astronomical datasets.

We are particularly interested in the following profiles, but we will consider any outstanding candidate:

1) a GW data analyst, with experience with PTA analysis pipelines: ENTERPRISE, TEMPONEST, LIBSTEMPO, etc;

2) a theoretical astrophysicist with experience in GW analysis, some background in MBH astrophysics, and possibly familiar with machine learning techniques for inference problems;

3) a theoretical astrophysicist focusing on semianalytic and/or numerical modeling of galaxy and MBH cosmologica formation and evolution, ideally already with some experience in using L-Galaxies;

4) an observational astrophysicist, with experience in using large catalogs of galaxy surveys, and familiarity with statistical analysis of large samples of data

Appointments will be up to 4 years, expected to start as soon as early next spring and no later than fall 2025. The ERC funding guarantees a generous salary, competitive with the highest European standards for this type of position. A generous research budget for traveling is also included, as well as guaranteed access to in house and nation-wide HPC facilities.

The Bicocca astro group has a strong expertise in massive black hole astrophysics, dynamics and gravitational waves (Prof. Monica Colpi, Prof. Massimo Dotti, Prof. Davide Gerosa), relativistic numerical simulations of compact objects (Prof. Bruno Giacomazzo), observations and theory of high redshift galaxies and black holes (Prof. Michele Fumagalli, Prof. Sebastiano Cantalupo, Prof. Piero Madau, Prof. Matteo Fossati). It is a thriving, lively group composed by 13 faculties overall, ~20 postdocs and ~15 PhD students. It is located close to the center of Milan, the most lively and international city in Italy, 1h away from the beautiful Como Lake and the stunning Alps.

For more information about the Bicocca astro group please look at astro.fisica.unimib.it/. Please navigate this webiste for more information about Prof. Sesana's group.

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 material should be sent electronically,  to the attention of Prof. Alberto Sesana to the email address alberto.sesana@unimib.it, by November 15, 2024. 

For any further information about the positions and the requested application material please also write to the same email address.

We strive to build a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome expressions of interest from traditionally underrepresented groups.