Applications are invited for 1 post-doctoral position at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Science Academy (CAMK PAN), in Warsaw, Poland, in the field of extragalactic distance scale. CAMK PAN is the leading astrophysical institute in Poland, hosting about 50 staff researchers and 30 PhD students. CAMK PAN scientists participate in many international projects.
Project description
Successful applicants will work with Prof. Grzegorz Pietrzyński as the Principal Investigator on the project “Sub-percent calibration of the extragalactic distance scale in the era of big surveys” - UniverScale. The positions will be funded from the European Research Council Synergy grant, agreement no 951549. The main goal of the project is to improved calibration of the extragalactic distance scale, and very different approaches will be applied to reach this goal. The UniverScale project presents a novel and unique application of several expertise from very different fields of astrophysics from studies of nearby stars (interferometry, parallaxes, astrometric binaries), Cepheids, through galaxies (eclipsing binaries, IRSB method, Cepheids) up to cosmology (SN Ia, AGNs, Hubble constant). Therefore, a team of experts who covers all aspects of the proposed project and who have pioneered many important studies on the extragalactic distance scale has been assembled. Furthermore, CAMK PAN operates a collection of small telescopes (0,6-1,5m) located in Cerro Murphy Observatory, Chile, just in front of the construction place of the E-ELT. Exceptional weather conditions make this observatory an excellent tool for implementing research projects. CAMK PAN plans to significantly expand this observatory by building new telescopes, from which the biggest one, the 2.5 m telescope is planned to be constructed within the framework of the UniverScale project. Therefore candidates with observing / instrumental skills would find an excellent environment. The successful candidate will work on modeling of eclipsing binary systems and calibration of the surface brightness – color relationship collaborating with the whole team.
One post-doctoral position is offered until 31.10.2027, without the possibility of extension. Preferred starting date for the positions is 01.07.2026, but is to some extent negotiable.
CAMK PAN is an equal-opportunity employer and supports equal opportunities and diversity in its personnel policy.
The successful applicant will be offered an employment contract with excellent salary and working conditions. The employment contract embraces social security, public medical care, and participation in national pension scheme as well as access to non-public medical care and sports activities co-financed by the employer. She/he can also profit from the relocation costs reimbursement scheme according to CAMK PAN internal rules.
The successful applicant who is not citizen of a member country of the European Union must keep in mind that, prior to signing the contract, she/he must obtain a residence and work permit or visa (according to rules established between Poland and the country of the applicant origin).
Positions and requirements description
Post-doc position
Number of available positions: 1
Form of engagement: employment contract
Place of employment: CAMK PAN, Warsaw, Poland
Requirements to be met by candidates include the following:
1. PhD degree in physics or astronomy (obtained before the employment date)
2. proven publication record
3. experience in work in the field of binary systems
4. experience in distance determinations to nearby galaxies
5. good command of English to enable efficient communication with the team and preparation of scientific reports and publications
6. additional assets: enthusiasm for work, independence, high personal culture, ability to work in a team.
The selection criteria include (equally weighted):
1) qualifications
2) professional experience (including informally acquired experience) and experience in supervising scientific research conducted by junior colleagues
3) mobility related to scientific, organizational and teaching experience
Applying candidates should submit the following documents (in pdf format):
1) a copy of the PhD diploma (or information about the defence date)
2) a scientific curriculum vitae detailing research, teaching and organisational activities and a list of publications including the most important ones.
3) signed GDPR information clause available at:
https://www.camk.edu.pl/en/media/uploads_current/intranet/dokumenty/ogolne/2018/gdpr.pdf
4) other documents proving the fulfilment of the competition criteria
5) short statement of research achievements and scientific plans (maximum 2 pages)
6) Names of two astronomers willing to send support letters.
The above mentioned documents should be submitted by e-mail with a subject “UniverScale Post-doc position 1” to recruitment@camk.edu.pl by June 7th, 2026 23:00 CET at the latest.
Questions about the position can be sent to prof. Grzegorz Pietrzynski: pietrzyn@camk.edu.pl
The selection of candidates will be executed by a 3-member selection committee in accordance with the “Resolution of the Scientific Council of the Copernicus Astronomical Centre of the Polish Science Academy (CAMK PAN) on establishing the regulations for the competition for positions of scientific employees at CAMK PAN”.
The review of applications will begin soon after the deadline and continue until the position is filled.
Complaints on the competition results shall be presented by e-mail to recruitment@camk.edu.pl within 2 days after receiving the information on the outcomes of the recruitment process and they will be taken up by the selection committee right after this deadline.
