Magnetization of galaxy groups, clusters and superclusters

The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCRA-TIFR), Pune, India, is seeking a Post-Doctoral Fellow to work with Professor Ruta Kale on non-thermal phenomena in clusters and superclusters of galaxies.

Cosmic rays and magnetic fields are ubiquitous in clusters of galaxies and in the large-scale structure of the Universe. However, the origin and evolution of these components is still not well understood. The life cycle of the jets and lobes of radio galaxies and the particle acceleration mechanisms at work in the intra-group, intra-cluster, and inter-galactic media are key to the manifestation of the cosmic rays and magnetic fields in the form of large-scale diffuse radio sources. Phenomena from the scales of 10s of kpc at group/cluster cores to Mpc-scales of cluster mergers are all important to finding the key processes that regulate the cosmic rays and magnetic fields. Deep radio observations that are sensitive to structures on large angular scales are important probes in the quest to understand these components. In this project, radio frequency data towards galaxy groups, clusters, and superclusters and other multi-wavelength data will be explored to uncover the role of radio galaxies and re-acceleration mechanisms in shaping the non-thermal environment. Use of data obtained from uGMRT, MeerKAT, and LOFAR is expected. The candidate will also be expected to contribute to radio interferometric data analysis pipelines and develop data analysis tools.

A strong background in the interpretation of multi-wavelength data on AGN, clusters of galaxies and radio interferometric data reduction will be given preference.

About 75% of the candidate's time is expected to be devoted to the above project and the rest can be used for the candidate's own research activities.

Research activities at NCRA-TIFR are centered on low-frequency radio astronomy, with faculty members pursuing research in diverse areas of astrophysics. 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, 2025. 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. 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.