Theoretical Physics Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CFT PAN)
Call for Applications for a PhD Scholarship Position
The Director of the Theoretical Physics Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences announces a competition for the position of PhD Scholar within the MAESTRO 15 research project
"Dynamics of processes around compact stars," funded by the National Science Centre (grant agreement no. UMO-2023/50/A/ST9/00527).
Project Supervisor: Prof. Agnieszka Janiuk, DSc
Project Description:
The project aims to study theoretical models of gamma-ray bursts formation. Using numerical computer simulations, a model of a magnetized ultrarelativistic jet powered by accretion onto a rotating Kerr black hole will be developed. The Poynting energy in such a jet at large distances converts into kinetic energy of the beam, which eventually emits gamma radiation.
The jet launching process, its collimation, and evolution can be modeled numerically through hydrodynamic simulations. The dynamic model proposed in Janiuk (2019) is particularly adapted to the engines of short gamma-ray bursts, motivated by the discovery of the archetypal source related to gravitational wave emission, GRB-GW 170817.
Other sources exhibiting characteristic kilonova emission—arising from the decay of radioactive isotopes synthesized in outflows connected with the burst—have also been identified. These outflows may aid the jet collimation process (Urrutia et al., 2025). It remains unclear whether kilonovae accompany only short gamma-ray bursts or are a universal phenomenon.
For long gamma-ray bursts, associated with the collapse of a massive star, important issues include black hole mass growth, spin changes, and self-gravity of the collapsing stellar envelope (Janiuk, Shahamat & Król, 2023), which may disrupt the jet launching process.
PhD Scholar’s Responsibilities:
Development of numerical codes and modeling of jets and kilonovae associated with merging compact star binaries or collapsars,
Analysis of available observational data.
Candidate Requirements:
Master’s degree in Physics or Astronomy,
Good knowledge of theoretical astrophysics and programming,
Interest in fluid dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics,
Independence and creativity in problem-solving,
Knowledge of methods for analysis and reduction of observational gamma astronomy data is an advantage.
Required Documents:
Curriculum vitae with the clause:
"I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents for the purposes necessary for the recruitment process by the Geoplanet Doctoral School."
Motivation letter,
Copy of the master’s diploma or supervisor’s statement on the progress and planned defense date of the master’s thesis,
Copies of documents confirming scientific or professional achievements,
At least one letter of recommendation from an academic with a doctoral degree, regarding the candidate’s scientific activity,
Application form for admission to the Geoplanet Doctoral School (Attachment No. 1).
Application Submission:
Documents should be sent electronically to:
rekrutacja@cft.edu.pl
from April 1, 2025 to April 25, 2025.
Please include the reference number AJ/05/2025 in the email subject line.
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview scheduled for the third week of May (May 12–16, 2025).
Scholarship Details:
The scholarship will be granted according to Polish law and the NCN Council Resolution no. 124/2022 of December 1, 2022.
Amount: 4700 PLN net per month, for a period of four years. The first two years will be funded under the MAESTRO 15 project, and the following two years from other sources.
Deadlines:
The competition results will be announced by May 30, 2025.
Admission to the Doctoral School and the start of the scholarship is planned for October 1, 2025.
Links:
Geoplanet Doctoral School: https://geoplanetschool.camk.edu.pl/doctoral-school/about-us/
Supervisor’s page: https://ajaniuk.cft.edu.pl/
Contact:
For questions, please contact: agnes@cft.edu.pl
