Missions

The postdoctoral researcher will join the FIRST team at LIRA (Laboratory for Instrumentation and Research in Astrophysics) and will be funded through the PEPR Photonics program. Their mission will be to contribute to the development and operation of the FIRST-PL (Photonic Lantern) instrument, installed on the SCExAO platform of the Subaru Telescope (Hawaii). The instrument has recently been validated and opened to the community for observations.
The instrument concept is based on the use of a fibered component, a photonic lantern. On one side, a multimode fiber collects the light at the telescope focal plane. On the other side, the 19 outputs feed a spectrograph to measure the intensities as a function of wavelength. The data-processing step that reconstructs the object observed at the PL input from the 19 outputs is at the core of the ongoing developments.
One of the specific objectives will be the demonstration and use of the H-alpha differential imaging mode for the detection of accreting protoplanets.
The funding can cover up to three years, with an ideal start date in May 2026 (negotiable).

Activities

Proposed tasks for the recruited candidate will include:
• Contributing to the preparation of observing programs with FIRST-PL (accreting protoplanets, close binaries)
• Participating in observations (remotely or on-site in Hawaii if required)
• Analyzing the data : improving the data reduction pipeline, developing calibration procedures, and refining the observing strategy
• Publishing the resulting scientific outcomes

Skills

• Data processing and signal processing
• Proficiency in Python
• Knowledge of astrophysics, in particular high angular resolution and high-contrast imaging
• Knowledge of photonics (a plus / appreciated)

Work Context

The position is based at LIRA (Laboratory for Instrumentation and Research in Astrophysics), on the Meudon campus of the Observatoire de Paris. The successful candidate will join the FIRST team, within the HRAA (High Angular Resolution in Astronomy) group, which develops innovative techniques for high-angular-resolution and high-contrast imaging and spectroscopy, in particular relying on photonic technologies in the visible wavelength range.

The project will benefit from strong synergies with the Exoplanetary Systems group, fostering close interactions between instrumental developments, observations, and scientific exploitation, especially in the context of the detection and characterization of young planetary systems. The working environment is highly interdisciplinary, at the interface between astrophysics, optics, photonics, and signal processing.

Strong collaborations are in place with the SCExAO team at the Subaru Telescope, providing an international working environment and opportunities for collaboration. Travel to Hawaii may also be required.

The contract may be extended for an additional 12 months

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

None