Description of the thesis topic

Funding for a 3 year doctoral thesis is being offered at the Observatoire astronomique de Strasbourg (ObAS) to develop new methods to analyse and interpret general astrophysical data. The purpose of the thesis is to continue our team's work on the exploration of so-called "symbolic regression" approaches to data analysis to automatically find empirical analytic relations that explain physics datasets. In parallel, the thesis will explore the use of machine learning for the modelling of dynamical systems, with a particular view to model the dynamics of the Milky Way. We expect the doctoral contract to begin in late 2024.

The research program will consist in:
-improving our in-house machine learning algorithms that implement symbolic regression
-application of the method to data from the Gaia satellite to try to find empirical relations between Milky Way observables
-development of machine learning methods for Hamiltonian dynamics, and their application to stellar streams
-identification of constraints or observational indications for new physics, possibly with other machine learning techniques

The successful candidate will have completed their masters degree by the beginning of the thesis contract and should have experience (preferably from their masters internship) in some of the following areas:
-dynamics: theory, analysis and/or simulations
-galactic archaeology
-machine learning, and artificial intelligence
-data science

Other qualities that will be taken into account are the ability to work well in a team, being able to work autonomously, and the capability to draft good reports.

Work Context

The successful candidate will be based in the Galhecos team of the astronomical Observatory of Strasbourg (Observatoire astronomique de Strasbourg, ObAS), and be part of the doctoral school ED182 of the University of Strasbourg. The Galhecos team is a dynamic and growing team, with many recent recruitments, particularly on topics related to the dynamics of galaxies and stellar systems. The ObAS is located on the premises of Strasbourg University - one of the major universities in France - in historical buildings surrounded by a botanic garden, within walking distance from the city center.

Constraints and risks

No particular risks are identified.

Additional Information

The application should contain:
i) a CV that also includes academic transcripts and lists the names of two people who can provide a letter of reference
ii) a one page letter from the candidate stating their scientific interests in relation to the research goals of the project