The Director of the Center for Theoretical Physics PAS announces a competition for the
Scholar-PhD Student position at the CTP PAS within the research project MAESTRO 15
„Dynamics of processes around compact stars” financed by the National Science Center
(grant agreement no. UMO-2023/50/A/ST9/00527).
The aim of the project is to study theoretical models of gamma ray burst (GRB) engines.
Using numerical computer simulations, a model of the magnetized ultrarelativistic jet driven
by accretion onto a Kerr black hole, will be studied. It has been shown that the Poynting
energy of such jets is transferred at large distances to a bulk kinetic energy, and ultimately
radiated away in the form of gamma rays. The process of jet launching, its collimation and
evolution, can be modeled numerically. The development of the dynamical models
specifically addressed to short GRB engines (Janiuk, 2019) was motivated by discovery of the
seminal source, with a gravitational wave counterpart, GW-GRB 170817. Later on,
subsequently found several other sources that show associated kilonova emissions, have
proven to be sites of r-process nucleosynthesis. The dense and hot ejecta where this r-
process occurs, may help in jet collimation (Urrutia al. 2025). It is not clear though, whether
the kilonova phenomenon must be uniquely related to short GRB-engines, or it is rather
universal for both types of short and long GRBs. In the context of long bursts, related to
colalpsing massive stars, the growth of black hole, change of its spin, and also related self-
gravity force in the massive stellar envelope, may further complicate the picture (Janiuk,
Shahamat & Król 2023) and influence the jet launching process.
The scope of work of the successful Candidates within the project will be on development
of numerical simulations and analysis of observational data related to the jets and
kilonovae, driven by the compact binary mergers and collapsing stellar cores.
We expect the candidates to have:
- Master’s degree in physics or astronomy
- good theoretical and numerical background,
- interest in fluid dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics,
- independence and creativity in solving problems,
- knowledge of astronomical data reduction and analysis (gamma ray astronomy) will
be a plus.
The application must include:
- The scientific CV, including the progress in the university studies, scientific
achievements (publications, participation in research projects and conferences), with
the clause „I agree to the processing of my personal data contained in the
application documents for the purposes necessary for the implementation of the
process recruitment by the doctoral school GeoPlanet”. - Cover letter.
- A copy of the Master’s degree diploma, or a statement from the Candidate’s MSc
Advisor about the planned date of diploma obtaining - Copies of documents confirming scientific or professional achievements.
- At least one letter of recommendation from a researcher with at least a PhD degree,
concerning the candidate and his/her current scientific activity. - Application for admission to the Geoplanet doctoral school (Attachment no. 1).
Documents should be sent via e-mail to rekrutacja@cft.edu.pl from 01.04.2025 to 25.04.2025.
In the e-mail’s title please add the reference number AJ/05/2025. Selected Candidates will be
invited to an interview, to be held in the third week of May (12.05 – 16.05).
The scholarship will be awarded in accordance with the applicable laws in Poland and in
accordance with the Resolution of the NCN Council no. 124/2022 of December 1, 2022,
regarding the Regulations for the Awarding of NCN Scientific Scholarships in Research Projects
Funded by the National Science Center, in the amount of 4 700 PLN net for a period of four
years, with the first two years being funded as part of the research project MAESTRO 15
„Dynamics of processes around compact stars”, financed by the National Science Center
based on grant agreement no. UMO-2023/50/A/ST9/00527, and the subsequent two years
being funded from other sources.
The competition will be settled by 30.05.2025. Candidates will be informed electronically on
the results of the competition. Admission to the GeoPlanet Doctoral School and the
beginning of the scholarship are scheduled for 01.10.2025.
Link to information on the GeoPlanet Doctoral School:
Link to the Project Supervisor’s website:
https://ajaniuk.cft.edu.pl/
If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to:
agnes@cft.edu.pl