Pulsar data processing and time-frequency system optimization expert

Position Description


1. Introduction to the institute and the research group

 

National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC):

 

The National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) was officially founded in April 2001 through the merger of four observatories, three observing stations and one research center, all under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Aiming at the forefront of astronomical science, NAOC conducts cutting-edge astronomical studies, operates major national facilities and develops state-of the-art technological innovations. Applying astronomical methods and knowledge to fulfill national interests and needs is also an integral part of the mission of NAOC. NAOC hosts the Center for Astronomical Mega-Science of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAMS). NAOC’s main research involves cosmological large-scale structures, the formation and evolution of galaxies and stars, high-energy astrophysics, solar magnetism and activity, lunar and deep space exploration, and astronomical instrumentation. NAOC constructs and operates a wide variety of facilities at the national level. The Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopy Telescope (LAMOST), also known as the Guoshoujing Telescope, the world’s largest single dish radio telescope, Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), the 21-Centimeter Array (21CMA), the Chinese Solar Radio Heliograph (CSRH), as well as the SONG and SVOM projects etc.


FAST Operation and Development Center:

 

Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) is a Chinese mega-science project which aims to build a 500-meter diameter active reflector radio telescope in a karst depression in Guizhou province, to achieve wide sky-coverage and high sensitivity for astronomical observations. The construction of FAST started on March 25, 2011 and finished on September 25, 2016 as planned. It is by far the largest single dish radio telescope in the world. On January 11, 2020, FAST passed national evaluation and began formal operation. All the technical specification met or exceeded the design specification. Acclaimed as the China Sky Eye, FAST is the world's largest single-dish and the most sensitive radio telescope with China's own intellectual property.

 

The main scientific fields of FAST include: survey the neutral hydrogen; pulsar searching; dominate the VLBI network in low frequencies; detect interstellar molecules; SETI (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence). Its unparalleled sensitivity and excellent survey speed will enable astronomers to vastly expand the observational parameter space of compact objects, gaseous galaxies and interstellar medium.

 

Since FAST passed the acceptance in January 2020, the facility has been operating stably and reliably. In the past year, it has observed and served more than 5,200 machine-hours. By November 2020, the number of pulsars discovered by FAST reached 240, and FAST's research results on Fast Radio Bursts have been published in the international scientific journal Nature.

 

2. Post Description:

 

Assist in the construction and promotion of data center and assist in the formulation of data release principles.

 

Organize scientific observation requirements and provide necessary input for telescope test operations.

 

Perform data processing for telescope test operations and data debugging, and assist with telescope calibrations in pointing, flux, and beam etc.

 

Process pulsar observation data, discover pulsars and fast radio bursts.

 

Debug the telescope's time-frequency system, use pulsars for timing observation, and calibrate the telescope's time-frequency system.

 

Build the telescope's pulsar data processing system and participate in related scientific research on pulsars.

 

3. Candidate requirements:

 

Have a PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics.

 

Have knowledge and training on radio astronomy, familiar with pulsar radio observation methods, relevant post-doctoral experience is preferred.

 

Good at data analysis and processing, able to independently carry out scientific research; have rich experience in observational practice.

 

Have working experience in calibration of telescope pointing, flux etc.

 

4. Conditions:

 

Salary package is between 30,000-40,000 RMB/month (before tax), and the employment period is 36 months (total 3 years).

 

Start date: the position will start after the candidate has arrived.

 

All applications must be addressed to FAST, and include a full CV with contact details, including a valid email address, mobile phone number and other contact information.

 

Contact:


Contact Name:Peng Jiang

Contact Informationpjiang@bao.ac.cn