Solar Science with the MWA

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 solar science. The successful candidate will work with Prof. Divya Oberoi and collaborators.

The Solar physics group at NCRA has been pioneering solar and heliospheric science with the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA). Our recent work includes the detection and characterisation of mSFU-level ubiquitous nonthermal impulsive detections from the quiet corona. These are by far the weakest non-thermal solar radio emissions and form a very exciting development from a coronal heating perspective. The high time and frequency resolution polarimetric solar radio images from our imaging pipelines represent the current state-of-the-art and form the basis of our science explorations. Other recent aspects of our work include gyrosynchrotron modeling of emission from energetic electrons trapped in coronal mass ejections; detailed studies of a variety of solar bursts - types I, II and III; and of propagation effects as metrewave radiation traverses the magnetised inhomogeneous turbulent coronal medium. We are also pursuing projects based on coordinated observations with spacecraft like Chandryaan-2, Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter and radio facilities like the uGMRT. Our work includes development of both algorithms and software analysis tools for solar studies with the MWA data and science-focussed investigations. The candidate is expected to contribute to the ongoing projects in this group and initiate new ones, based on mutual interest. This project will suit a candidate with a background in multi-wavelength solar physics and experience of and/or interest in numerical data analysis techniques. Prior knowledge of the theory and practice of radio interferometry is desirable.

The MWA is a low radio frequency array located in Western Australia at the site chosen for the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO) and is a low frequency precursor of the SKAO. Its high dynamic range, high fidelity, and spectroscopic imaging capability with high frequency and time resolution provide an unprecedented match for the needs of solar imaging. These data have opened new phase space and are leading to novel and interesting science. Large volumes of archival solar data are available and new data continue to be acquired.

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 deanncra@ncra.tifr.res.in, by May 31, 2023. 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 47,000 to INR 54,000, depending on experience. Post-doctoral fellows are also entitled to a contingency grant of INR 40,000 per year. All 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.