Aalto University is a new university based on a century of experience. Created from a high-profile merger between three leading universities in Finland – the Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki University of Technology and the University of Art and Design Helsinki – Aalto University opens up new possibilities for strong multidisciplinary education and research. The university has 20 000 students and a staff of 5 000 including 350 professors.
Metsähovi Radio Observatory of the Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering invites applications for
Two doctoral candidate positions in radio astronomy
to promote its research agenda in the field of radio astronomy, especially in astrophysical jet research and AGN research.
Metsähovi Radio Observatory is a separate research unit of Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering, and has a worldwide reputation in the following fields:
- Radio and multi-frequency monitoring of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) and the Sun.
- Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI).
- Development of instruments and methods needed in radio astronomy, VLBI, and space research.
Metsähovi operates a 14-m radio telescope in Kirkkonummi, Finland. The telescope is used for radio astronomical observations in the microwave and millimetre domains. The Metsähovi staff consists of ca. 20 people: research scientists, engineers, other technical staff, and students. For more information, see:http://metsahovi.aalto.fi/.
We seek to recruit two doctoral candidates
1. Doctoral candidate position in astrophysical jet research
The research concentrates on the physics of relativistic outflows launched from accreting supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei. These black hole powered jets are among the most energetic long-lived phenomena in the Universe and despite their ubiquity, many of the fundamental questions regarding their physics are still open. We do not for example understand well the launching mechanism or their acceleration and collimation, and we do not know what turns the jets on and off again. With its sub-milliarcsecond resolution very long baseline radio interferometry (VLBI) is the only observational method that allows us to directly image the extragalactic jets near their origin. The successful candidate will work on a project which uses data from the state-of-the-art VLBI observations to study the jet formation and their magnetic field structure. The available data include ultra-high resolution space-VLBI measurements with the RadioAstronsatellite. For additional information on this position, contact Dr. Tuomas Savolainen, email: tuomas.k.savolainen<στο>aalto.fi, tel. +358 (0) 29 4424855.
2. Doctoral candidate position in AGN research
The research topics include, but are not limited to, radio and multi-frequency observations and data analysis, variability and statistical studies of various AGN populations, and AGN modelling using both ground-based and satellite data. We are involved, for example, in the point source data analysis of thePlanck satellite. The student is also expected to participate in the general scientific activities of the team and observing programs. For additional information on this position, contact Prof. Anne Lähteenmäki, email: anne.lahteenmaki<στο>aalto.fi, tel. +358 (0) 29 4424847 or +358 (0) 50 4419492
Requirements
The successful applicant(s) must have a MSc degree (or equivalent) in astronomy or a closely related field of science/engineering by the starting date, which is negotiable, but by the autumn 2015 at latest. Both positions involve working with an international team, so a good command of English language is required. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period and/or to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.
Applicants for the doctoral student positions must fulfill the admission requirements to the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Electrical Engineering. When chosen for the position, the applicant has to apply for and get the right to pursue doctoral studies at Aalto University. More information on the general requirements and the Doctoral Programme in Electrical Engineering: https://into.aalto.fi/display/endoctoralsci/Applying+for+doctoral+studies
The successful candidates will receive a contract that in addition to salary also includes occupational health care coverage, a paid annual leave, and other standard benefits. Support for participation in conferences and summer schools as well as research visits is available.
How to Apply
Apply for the position(s) by submitting the following documents in English and in electronic form (pdf) by January 15, 2015: a motivation letter with a statement of research interests and motivation, a curriculum vitae including a list of publications, an official Master’s degree certificate (or a statement from the supervisor regarding the status of the Master’s thesis work), and a transcript of academic records (with grades). Use the online form at http://www.aalto.fi/en/about/careers/jobs/view/346/, and please indicate clearly in the motivation letter which position you are applying for. The applicant should also organize two letters of reference to be sent directly to Prof. Anne Lähteenmäki or to Dr. Tuomas Savolainen.