The connections between magnetars, pulsars and fast radio bursts

The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCRA-TIFR), at Pune, India, is seeking a post-doctoral fellow to work on the connections between magnetars, pulsars, and fast radio bursts (FRBs). The successful candidate will work with Dr Yogesh Maan and collaborators.

With their high magnetic fields, highly variable X-rays, young ages, and transient radio emission, magnetars comprise one of the exotic parts of the neutron star population. The radio emission from magnetars, often detectable only following a high-energy outburst, is particularly intriguing as it exhibits remarkable levels of similarities as well as dissimilarities with that from the radio pulsars. Given the huge energy reservoir in the form of very strong magnetic fields, magnetars also form the basis of a number of models to explain the origin of fast radio bursts (FRBs) --- milliseconds-wide highly luminous radio transient events of extra-galactic origin. The primary aim of the project is to understand the underlying radio emission mechanism in magnetars and their potential links with FRBs and radio pulsars. The current efforts at NCRA in this direction include development  of a dedicated magnetar monitoring system under the SERB-approved project titled "Magnetar radio Burst Scanner (MagBurstS)", and the ongoing long-term monitoring of active magnetars and interesting repeating FRBs with GMRT as well as other large telescopes. The candidate is expected to contribute to the ongoing projects with the above theme and initiate new ones, based on mutual interest.

This project will suit a candidate with a background in radio pulsars, magnetars, or fast radio transients. Prior experience in signal processing techniques, instrumentation and programming skills is desirable.

Research activities at NCRA-TIFR  are centred on low-frequency radio astronomy, with faculty members pursuing research in diverse areas of astrophysics (see http://www.ncra.tifr.res.in). NCRA-TIFR operates two large observational facilities, the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope and the Ooty Radio Telescope.

Applications containing a curriculum vitae, a research plan, and the names and e-mail addresses of three or more referees should be sent to the Dean, NCRA-TIFR Faculty, at the e-mail address dean_nf@ncra.tifr.res.in, by May 31, 2024. Applicants should also request their referees to send in recommendation letters by the same deadline. All enquiries should also be made to this e-mail address. All applicants will automatically be considered for all available Post-Doctoral Fellowships at NCRA-TIFR.

The monthly salary of Post-Doctoral Fellows at NCRA-TIFR depends on experience after the doctoral degree. Candidates are required to have at least a provisional Ph.D. degree when taking up the position. For candidates who have received their doctoral degrees, the monthly salary ranges from INR 58,000 to INR 67,000, depending on experience. Post-doctoral fellows are also entitled to a contingency grant of INR 40,000 per year. All project post-doctoral positions are tenable for a maximum of 3 years, with continuations subject to a yearly review.

Post-doctoral Fellows at NCRA-TIFR are provided a travel grant of INR 3,00,000 over the course of the fellowship to enable them to travel for international conferences or for research collaborations. They are also entitled to a house rent allowance, and medical coverage under NCRA-TIFR's medical scheme.