Postdoctoral Researcher in Data Analysis for the Epoch of Reionization (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The successful candidate will join the NenuFAR Cosmic Dawn and LOFAR-EoR projects to develop new methods for separating the redshifted 21-cm signal, in preparation for future SKA analyses. They will work on a central challenge in the study of the Cosmic Dawn and the Epoch of Reionization: extracting an extremely faint signal from data dominated by bright astrophysical foregrounds and complex instrumental effects. The project will build in particular on ML-GPR, a signal-separation framework developed within the LOFAR and NenuFAR teams, while leaving scientific freedom to explore original methodological directions.

Activity

The work will involve formulating, testing and comparing new signal-separation approaches adapted to low-frequency radio-interferometric data. The successful candidate may explore statistical modelling of foregrounds and instrumental effects, the use of their spectral or temporal structures, and the contribution of realistic simulations to guide and validate the developed methods.
These developments will first be evaluated on simulations and may then be applied to NenuFAR Cosmic Dawn and/or LOFAR-EoR data. The successful candidate will contribute to the scientific interpretation of the results, their publication in international journals, their presentation at conferences, and interactions with the NenuFAR, LOFAR-EoR and SKA CD/EoR collaborations.

Your Profil

Skills

Applicants must hold a PhD in astrophysics, radio astronomy, signal processing, statistics, machine learning, or a related field. Experience in data analysis, statistical modelling, signal processing, AI, or radio astronomy will be particularly relevant. Experience with LOFAR, NenuFAR, MWA, HERA, SKA, or Bayesian inference would be an asset, but is not required.
Applications from candidates with backgrounds in signal processing, statistics, AI, or
astrophysical data analysis are encouraged.

Applications must be submitted through the CNRS Job Portal. The application should include a CV, a cover letter, a short research statement, and the names and contact details of two or three referees who may provide a recommendation. Interviews may be conducted by videoconference.

Your Work Environment

The position will be based at LUX, within the Cosmology and Galaxies team, which brings together expertise in radio data analysis, artificial intelligence, statistical inference and simulations of the 21-cm signal, including with the LICORICE code. The successful candidate will work under the scientific supervision of Florent Mertens and will be integrated into the NenuFAR Cosmic Dawn and LOFAR-EoR projects, in an international environment directly connected to SKA science preparation.

Constraints and risks

Short trips in France and abroad are expected for collaboration meetings, conferences or workshops related to NenuFAR, LOFAR and SKA. The position involves no specific risk.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between €3,131 and €4,341 gross per month, depending on experience

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

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.

CNRS

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