The Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CAMK PAN) in Warsaw invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the project “Tracking Mass Flow in Binary Systems with Accreting White Dwarfs”, funded by the Polish National Science Centre (NCN) through a SONATA 20 grant (PI: Dr. Krystian Iłkiewicz).
The project investigates the transfer and loss of mass and angular momentum in interacting binaries containing accreting white dwarfs, particularly cataclysmic variables and symbiotic stars. The research will focus on accretion-disc structure and variability, including disc tilts, precession, and instabilities, as well as the mechanisms responsible for winds and jets. We will also study extended structures, such as bow shocks and nova shells, to trace the history of mass loss from these systems and investigate how the ejected material interacts with the surrounding medium.
The research will make use of spectroscopic, photometric, and spatially resolved observations, together with theoretical modelling and interpretation. The successful candidate will work with existing observational datasets and collaborate with the project team on their analysis. There will also be opportunities to pursue related research and develop independent ideas within the scope of the project.
Tasks description
The successful candidate will conduct research related to the scientific objectives of the project, with a focus on accretion and mass-loss processes in interacting binary systems.
The main responsibilities will include:
- Conducting independent and collaborative research within the scope of the project;
- Analyzing and interpreting observational data and/or developing theoretical models;
- Publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting them at international conferences;
- Collaborating with the project team and contributing to its scientific activities.
Requirements
Applicants must hold a PhD degree in astrophysics, astronomy, or a closely related field, obtained within 12 years by the time of appointment (this period may be extended in some cases) and fulfil the formal requirements of the NCN included in the Regulations on Awarding Funding for Research Tasks Funded by the National Science Centre as Regards Research Projects for the SONATA 20 competition (see Annex 2, 'Full-time remuneration for a post-doc type post' at https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2024/uchwala84_2024-zal1_ang.pdf).
Applicants must also have a publication record appropriate to their career stage and a good working knowledge of English. Experience with scientific programming and data analysis would be an advantage.
We welcome candidates with backgrounds in observational or theoretical astrophysics. Relevant experience may include research on interacting binaries, accretion discs, stellar outflows, astronomical spectroscopy, time-domain photometry, spatially resolved observations, or theoretical and numerical modelling. The specific research activities can be tailored to the successful candidate's expertise and interests, and previous experience specifically with white dwarf binaries is not required.
Selection process
Applicants should provide:
- A copy of the PhD diploma or a statement issued by the host institute indicating the expected date of completion before the start of employment;
- Curriculum vitae;
- List of publications;
- A statement of scientific interests, previous research achievements, and future research plans (maximum 2 pages);
- The DGPD declaration with a handwritten signature [https://www.camk.edu.pl/media/uploads_current/o_instytucie/rodo/ncn/rodo_deklaracja_ncn_ang.pdf],
- At least two letters of recommendation to be sent directly by the persons who wrote them.
Applications should be submitted in PDF format by November 30, 2026, 23:59 CET, by email to recruitment@camk.edu.pl, with the subject line "Postdoctoral Position in Accreting White Dwarf Binaries".
Questions about the position and the research project can be directed to Dr. Krystian Iłkiewicz (ilkiewicz@camk.edu.pl).
Selection criteria
The selection criteria include:
- The candidate's research achievements including publications in prestigious academic journals (50% of the final score);
- Research-related achievements, scholarships, awards and research experience gained in Poland or abroad, research workshops and training courses, participation in research projects (20% of the final score);
- The candidate’s competence to carry out specific tasks in the research project (30% of the final score).
Other information
Location: Warsaw, Poland (Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center, Polish Academy of Sciences).
Funding: Grant fellowship under NCN SONATA 20 grant.
Salary: 9,400 PLN/month gross (approx. 7,000–7,500 PLN/month net, depending on tax and insurance).
Duration: 24 months (2 years), full-time employment.
Start date: Flexible between January and October 2027, subject to mutual agreement.
A single position is available. The project budget includes funding for travel and computing equipment.
CAMK PAN guarantees that the researchers are able to work independently to the greatest extent possible. The principles underlyingthe scientific independence of the researchers are formulated in the Code of Ethics for Researchers developed by the Science EthicsCommission (Commission for Research Integrity) of Polish Academy of Sciences, and adopted by the General Assembly of the PolishAcademy of Sciences on 5 December 2024 (in Polish [https://pan.pl/app/uploads/2025/02/KodeksEtykiPracownika.pdf]).
CAMK PAN subscribes to gender principles in the Strategic Plan 2021+, where it has committed to non-discrimination and equaltreatment. These principles will be further developed. Gender Equality Plan (GEP) was developed in 2023 in Polish [https://www.camk.edu.pl/pl/media/uploads_current/rada_naukowa/2023/uchwaly/u09_plan_rownosci_plci_camk_2023_2026.pdf]).
Fulfilling the obligation arising from Article 24(6) of the Act of June 14, 2024, on the Protection of Whistleblowers (Journal ofLaws, item 928), CAMK PAN wishes to inform about the possibility of reporting a violation and provides the communicationchannels described in the internal reporting procedure, available at the following address [https://www.camk.edu.pl/en/about/whistleblowers/].
