Pulsar search and timing with the upgraded GMRT

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 pulsar search and timing studies with the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). The successful candidate will work with Professor Bhaswati Bhattacharyya and collaborators.

The diversity of properties of pulsars in the Milky way makes it important both to carry out sensitive surveys for new discoveries, and to follow up individual pulsars with detailed timing studies to understand their properties. Professor Bhattacharyya has been leading a GMRT survey for millisecond pulsars (MSPs) with the upgraded GMRT, targetting gamma-ray sources identified by the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope. This GMRT survey has already resulted in the discovery of 8 new MSPs, with one of the highest pulsar discovery rates so far. The project will involve (1) pulsar search analysis using the CPU-based high performance system at NCRA-TIFR, (2) employing machine-learning based candidate classification to investigate candidate pulsars, and (3) follow-up observations to localise the pulsars and time them. With the upgrade of the GMRT, the enhanced survey sensitivity will allow the discovery of a population of faint pulsars that was not possible with earlier surveys.

Prior exposure to pulsar studies, experience in processing pulsar data at radio wavelengths, and familiarity with tools like PRESTO, TEMPO, etc would be beneficial. Knowledge of shell scripting and programming 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.