Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center invites applications for astronomy and astrophysics PhD studies and associated scholarship competition
The Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CAMK PAN) offers the opportunity to undertake doctoral studies leading to a PhD degree in astronomy and astrophysics. The research covers a broad range of topics pursued at CAMK PAN, including observational and theoretical astrophysics as well as cosmology. Our senior scientists participate in major international collaborations such as H.E.S.S., CTA, Hyper-Kamiokande, GADMC, DarkSide, LUMI-Q, VIRGO/LIGO/KAGRA, ET, and EGO, and are involved in instrumental projects for astronomical satellites including eROSITA, ARCUS, and ATHENA. CAMK PAN represents the Polish astronomical community in the SALT consortium, which operates an 11-m optical telescope in South Africa. The Center’s scientists play leading roles in the BRITE scientific satellite project, dedicated to precise stellar brightness measurements, and in the ARAUCARIA project, focused on calibrating the cosmological distance scale. They also operate the Cerro Murphy Observatory in Chile and SOLARIS – a network of small robotic telescopes in the southern hemisphere dedicated to stellar astronomy, exoplanet searches, and quantum satellite communication.
The doctoral programme is carried out within the GeoPlanet Doctoral School, in which CAMK PAN is a leading institute. The doctoral programme lasts four years. The successful candidate is expected to begin their studies during the first semester of the 2026/2027 academic year, no later than 28 February 2027. During this period, students are required to complete coursework and lectures (including interdisciplinary lectures), participate in seminars, and prepare their doctoral dissertation. All lectures and seminars are conducted in English. The regulations of the doctoral school, including the study programme, are available on the CAMK PAN website.
One research topic is proposed. The selected student will take part in the project funded by the National Science Centre (NCN), Poland, entitled “Signatures of nonstandard accretion: precessing flows in tidal disruption events (TDEs) and accretion onto black holes and black-hole mimickers” (OPUS 30 LAP, grant number 2025/59/I/ST9/01804). The successful candidate is expected to perform numerical simulations of tidal disruption events (TDEs) under the guidance of Prof. W. Kluźniak. Experience in numerical simulations would be an advantage. Before applying, candidates may contact their potential supervisor (wlodek@camk.edu.pl) to obtain more details on the proposal. Candidates should read the recruitment regulations, also available o on the CAMK PAN website.
Doctoral school students receive a scholarship for four years. For the first three years, the successful candidate will receive funding under the National Science Centre (NCN) OPUS 30 LAP grant no. 2025/59/I/ST9/01804, comprising a doctoral scholarship and an NCN research scholarship, as detailed below. Total monthly funding of PLN 6,500 before and after the mid-term evaluation. For years 1–2, before the mid-term evaluation, the monthly funding consists of a doctoral scholarship of PLN 3,570 gross (approx. PLN 3,170 net) and an NCN research scholarship of PLN 2,100 (PLN 2,100 net). For year 3, following a positive mid-term evaluation, the monthly funding consists of a doctoral scholarship of PLN 5,500 gross (approx. PLN 4,880 net) and an NCN research scholarship of PLN 1,000 (PLN 1,000 net). After the three-year period of grant-funded support ends, the doctoral scholarship will be funded by CAMK PAN at PLN 5,500 gross per month for the remainder of the four-year doctoral programme, subject to continued enrolment in the Doctoral School. Additional funding is available for travel to conferences, workshops and schools, as well as for computing equipment.
The recruitment process will take place via an online application system available at:
the system should open no later than 28 September 2026
In the online system, choose "Register" and "Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center, Polish Academy of Sciences". After providing the required declarations and consents, you will be able to enter your data and upload your application documents and select a topic. After uploading the documents you should receive an email confirmation. Do not use caps lock key, while filling in your data!
Candidates must submit a complete application, including:
- The application for admission to the doctoral school together with GDPR statement (following this template).
- Copies of the candidate’s bachelor’s and master’s degree diplomas, or an equivalent qualification. If the master’s degree diploma is not yet available, it must be submitted before admission to the Doctoral School.
- A transcript of grades (Bachelor and Master Courses).
- A curriculum vitae including education and employment history, list of publications, information on involvement in scientific activities – membership in scientific groups/societies, participation in scientific conferences, internships and training, awards and distinctions.
- A letter of motivation containing a short description of the candidate's interests and scientific achievements, and justification of the intention to undertake education at the Doctoral School.
- English language certificate(s), if available.
All documents, including scans, must be in PDF format and submitted by 11 October 2026 (23:59 CEST).
In addition to application documents given above, at least one recommendation letter should be sent directly by the referee to: phdstudies@camk.edu.pl, before the application deadline (11 October 2026).
The Recruitment Board will select candidates for the interview, which will take place 26-28 October 2026 (9 am – 4 pm, CET). Decisions about admission will be made by the end of October 2026 and all the candidates will be notified by e-mail. For additional information contact the coordinator of the doctoral school, Prof. Radosław Smolec (smolec@camk.edu.pl) or the Center’s secretary office (Mrs. Katarzyna Morawska, kasia@camk.edu.pl).
Warsaw, 21 September 2026
