Post-doctoral position in astrophysics at LPENS M/F
New
- Researcher in FTC
- 24 months
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Laboratoire de physique de l'ENS
Contract Type
Researcher in FTC
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
75005 PARIS 05
Contract Duration
24 months
Date of Hire
10/01/2027
Remuneration
monthly gross salary between 3131 and 4807 euros
Apply Application Deadline : 24 October 2026 23:59
Job Description
Missions
The agent will take part to the ANR-funded VIEWS project (Voyega Into the Engine with the Webb Space telescope). This project aims to explore the interplay between black-hole feeding and AGN-feedback (star formation regulation by Active Galactic Nuclei) mechanisms in the core of massive galaxies. VIEWS leverages the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope cycle 3 project GO5018 to provide high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy of six selected Brightest Cluster Galaxies. Two categories of scientific objectives will be addressed. The first one is related to AGN feedback at intermediate scales, to the cooling of the gas and the regulation of star formation around the galaxies: do the cooling filaments fuel star formation ? How is the AGN-feedback energy dissipated and how does it affect star formation and galaxy growth via kpc-scale filaments ? The second category of studied questions relates to the feeding of the black hole and the feedback loop at small scales, focusing on the formation and physical state of circum-nuclear disks: how much gas is accreted in the central disk and available to eventually feed the supermassive black hole compared to the total mass budget of the large scale cooling filaments ? What are the processes of feedback at play in the circum-nuclear region ?
Activity
To address these questions, the applicant will combine state-of-the-art emission models for photoionized, photodissociated, and shocked gas (CLOUDY, Meudon PDR, and Paris-Durham codes) to disentangle the relative contributions of radiative and mechanical energy to JWST spectra. Using existing and newly computed model grids, the postdoc will develop an integrated framework to infer excitation conditions and quantify the impact of fast, tenuous shocks on ionized line emission. In parallel, high-resolution 3D MHD simulations of fast shocks interacting with dense interstellar clouds will be carried out with an advanced RAMSES code that includes time-dependent chemistry and radiative cooling. These simulations will self-consistently follow the transfer of mechanical energy, molecular excitation, and resulting emission—providing the first fully coupled view of how shocks shape the multiphase ISM and guiding the interpretation of JWST observations.
Your Profil
Skills
Applicants should have at least a PhD in physics, astronomy or related subject by the time of the appointment. We encourage applications from candidates with strong expertise in modeling or numerical simulations. The manipulation of state-of-the-art models of photo-ionisation and shock (e.g. Meudon-PDR, CLOUDY, MAPPINGs) would be an asset. Experience with manipulating multi- wavelength data will also be considered. Knowledge of extragalactic astrophysics is preferred. Skills in one or several programming languages (e.g. Python, Fortran, C++) are necessary.
Your Work Environment
The successful candidate will work within the "Astrophysics" team at Laboratoire de Physique de l'École Normale Supérieure (LPENS), an institute that maintains a lively visitor program and hosts regular workshops and conferences throughout the year. The successful candidate will be immersed in an internationally visible research environment in the Paris Campus, with rich intellectual and computational resources.
The appointment is for 2 years with a salary including French social security benefits. Funding will also be allocated for travel.
Constraints and risks
No particular risks nor constraints are associated to the position.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
monthly gross salary between 3131 and 4807 euros
Annual leave and RTT
44 jours
Remote Working practice and compensation
Pratique et indemnisation du TT
Transport
Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€
About the offer
| Offer reference | UMR8023-ANTGUS-003 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Astrophysics |
| Relevant experience | 1 to 4 years |
About the CNRS
The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.
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