Deadline: 20 May 2018

We invite application for one 2-year post-doctoral position in theoretical stellar physics/MHD in support of the European ERC-Consolidator project SPIRE (Stars: dynamical Processes driving tidal Interactions, Rotation and Evolution). The objective of the project is to contribute to interpret high-resolution observations provided by asteroseismology on stellar interiors and their dynamics and the properties of discovered planetary systems (using e.g. CoRoT, Kepler and in a very near future CHEOPS, TESS, SPIRou while preparing PLATO). To reach this objective, the project aims to develop new theoretical and numerical long-term evolution models of rotating magnetic stars and of their systems. The members of the project develop new ab-initio theories, prescriptions, and scaling laws to describe coherently dynamical mechanisms that transport angular momentum and drive tidal dissipation in stars (and planets).

The position will be held in CEA Astrophysics Department (France) within the Laboratory Dynamics of Stars, (Exo)-planets and their Environment (LDE3). The team hosts recognized experts in stellar and planetary physics who carry research at the forefront of theoretical and numerical modelling and observations with asteroseismology and exoplanetary atmospheres studies. DAp is part of the large Institute of Research into the Fundamental laws of the Universe (IRFU) at CEA Paris-Saclay, 20 km south of Paris, in the vicinity of various universities and other research centers. It is a world-class astrophysical department covering many areas of instrumental, observational, theoretical, numerical and applied astrophysics. DAp/AIM gathers more than 200 faculty and staff members, including postdoctoral fellows, and PhD students. It offers a lively and very active research environment of the highest international standards. DAp/AIM plays a key role in instrumentation, ground segment and scientific exploitation of space missions from cosmology with Euclid ESA cosmic vision mission to the hot and energetic Universe with Athena, and solar and stellar physics with Solar Orbiter and PLATO. More broadly, engineers and scientists at DAp/AIM contribute to a large range of facilities (e.g. SOHO, Integral, Herschel, JWST, SVOM, ARIEL, ELT-METIS,…). CEA also possesses large computer facilities and expertise that represent a strong asset for the development of MHD numerical simulations and advanced stellar modelling.

The successful candidate will collaborate with Dr. S. Mathis and members of the SPIRE project and LDE3 to study the excitation, propagation, and damping/resonances/instabilities of waves and other possible MHD transport processes in differentially rotating magnetic stars along their evolution. Applicants should have a PhD in theoretical stellar physics/MHD, astrophysical/geophysical fluid dynamics, fluid mechanics or plasma physics. They should have a very good record of research and publications and real interest in theoretical and numerical stellar astrophysics, fluid dynamics and/or applied mathematics.

This position funded for 2 years will be renewed on a yearly basis depending on scientific progress and achievement. The salary will be commensurate to the competitive standard scale for post-doctoral researchers at CEA. 5,000 Euros per year of travel money will be provided.

The preferred starting date is 1 September 2018, but can be discussed depending on the availability of selected candidates. Candidates are thus requested to indicate their preferred starting date in their application.

The application must include

• A CV including publication list
• A statement of research experience, interests and future plans (maximum 3 pages)
• A letter detailing your motivation and qualifications for the position and your career objectives (maximum 1 page)
• Three letters of references. The letters are to be submitted separately to Dr. Stéphane Mathis.

Applications sent before 20 May 2018 will be given top priority but applications will be considered until the position is filled.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

Dr. Stéphane MATHIS
Laboratory Dynamics of Stars,  (Exo)-planets and their Environment (LDE3)
CEA/DRF/IRFU/DAp  & UMR AIM Paris-Saclay
CE-Saclay, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
Tel: +33 1 69084930
Fax: +33 169086577
stephane.mathis@cea.fr