Description:
DESY is one of the world’s leading research centres for photon science, particle and astroparticle physics as well as accelerator physics. DESY at its Zeuthen location in the outskirts of Berlin is a leading center for astroparticle physics with a focus on gamma-ray and neutrino astronomy.
We are looking for a PhD student (f/m) to work at DESY on IceCube multi-messenger and realtime analysis and/or the Zwicky Transient Facility in the framework of the newly funded Helmholtz Young Investigator group led by A. Franckowiak starting in Jan. 2017.
IceCube is the worlds most sensitive neutrino telescope located at the South Pole. It is the first instrument that was able to identify a flux of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos. The origin of the neutrinos is unknown and multi-messenger observations are crucial to identify the sources.
DESY takes a leading role in operating and extending the IceCube optical follow-up program, which selects interesting neutrino candidates in realtime and forwards their reconstructed direction to optical telescopes. The telescopes observe the corresponding region in the sky as soon as possible, aiming for the detection of an optical counterpart.
We are a member of Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), optical survey instrument, which is currently under construction at Mt. Palomar and will scan the whole Northern sky every other night to a magnitude of 20.5. In addition, the Helmholtz Young Investigator group will have access to ASAS-SN optical survey data.
The position will be located at DESY Zeuthen, and is expected to lead to a PhD degree at the nearby Humboldt university of Berlin; it is subject to the admission/acceptance as a PhD student at the university.
Requirements: The candidate (f/m) must hold a Master degree in physics, astrophysics or astronomy at the starting date. Desired skills include training in particle physics, astrophysics or astronomy and experience in data analysis. Written documentation of the performed scientific work, such as a Master thesis or publications, is expected. Proficient command of the English language is mandatory.
Applications should include the following documents in a single PDF file: Cover letter (including research interests and experience), CV (including a list of courses/grades), degree certificates and contact information of two references. Two letter of recommendation should be sent directly to the E-mail address below. A link to a PDF of a written Master thesis (if available) or other demonstration of scientific work is appreciated.
For full consideration, the applications should be sent no later than January 31, 2017 to anna.franckowiak AT desy.de