High-energy astrophysicist H/F

CEA; Saclay; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

CEA's Astrophysics Department (Saclay) invites a postdoctoral researcher to join the SVOM team to analyze high-energy data and provide physical interpretation of gamma-ray bursts in both the prompt and afterglow phases.

The role includes coordination of real-time follow-up as Burst Advocate and active collaboration with international partners. The earliest start date is February 2027, and the position remains open until filled.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or astronomy.
• Start date February 2027; position open until filled.

Responsibilities

• Analyze SVOM data and interpret the prompt and afterglow phases of bursts.
• Coordinate and optimize real-time observational follow-up as Burst Advocate.
• Collaborate with the international SVOM community and contribute to science operations.

Skills

Gamma-ray bursts analysis

Data reduction

Photometry of transients

Multi-messenger astronomy

International collaboration

Education

PhD in physics or astronomy

Job description

The SVOM satellite mission (Space based Variable astronomical Object Monitor) was launched in June 2024 and is now in its nominal scientific operations phase.

SVOM is dedicated to studying the transient sky, with a particular focus on cosmic gamma-ray bursts—powerful explosions resulting from the gravitational collapse of massive stars or the coalescence of compact objects (neutron stars, black holes). SVOM’s payload covers optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray domains to enable multi-wavelength studies of these variable and transient phenomena. The SVOM mission is complemented by a ground segment for science operations, which includes a dedicated suite of robotic telescopes. For more information about SVOM, visit www.svom.eu.

As part of the SVOM mission, the DAp is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for data analysis and physical interpretation of cosmic gamma-ray bursts. As a bilateral Franco-Chinese mission, SVOM benefits from strong involvement of the DAp in its scientific operations.

The postdoctoral researcher will join the DAp’s SVOM scientific team and collaborate broadly with the international scientific community involved in the mission. SVOM data are accessible to all collaboration members, and the work will focus primarily on data analysis and, in particular, on the physical interpretation of the prompt and afterglow phases of bursts detected by SVOM and partner telescopes.

The postdoctoral researcher will also participate in the mission’s science operation activities, notably by acting as a "Burst Advocate" to help coordinate and optimize real-time observational follow-up for bursts detected by SVOM

The earliest start date is February 2027, but the position will be open until filled.

High-energy astrophysicist with preferred expertise in one or more of the following fields:

• Cosmic Gamma-Ray Bursts: scientific analysis and physical properties
• Data reduction and analysis from space missions in high-energy astrophysics
• Optical and infrared photometry of transient sources
• Study of the transient sky and multi-messenger phenomena
• Ability to work in international teams

Site

Saclay

Saclay

Langues

PHD in physics or astronomy

01/02/2027

Référence

2026-41970

Within the Fundamental Research Division (DRF), the Research Institute on the Fundamental Laws of the Universe (IRFU) conducts research to study the fundamental interactions of physics and develops the associated experimental instruments and equipment. Nearly 1,000 physicists, engineers, and technicians are involved daily in international research projects in particle physics, astrophysics, and nuclear physics across platforms as varied as particle accelerators, scientific satellites, and ground-based telescopes.

The Astrophysics Department's mission is to conduct research in astrophysics and to ensure, in liaison with space agencies and ground-based observatories, the project management of space instruments as well as the development of data analysis centers.
It operates in the fields of cosmology, the structure of the universe, the formation and evolution of stars and planets and their interactions, high-energy cosmic phenomena, and astrophysical plasmas. It analyzes experimental data, develops theoretical models and numerical simulations, and produces scientific publications.
It develops and implements instrumental technologies as well as methods for signal processing, numerical simulation, and data analysis in connection with space missions and ground-based observatories across multi-wavelength domains for space astrophysics applications.
It has technological infrastructures and facilities to carry out its technological research, achievements, and their characterization.