Connectionists: PhD position(s) available

[Michael Biehl]

Apologies for cross-postings

*Call for applications*

Applications are invited for a *4-year PhD project* in the area of high
angular

resolution radio astronomy and image processing at the Kapteyn

Astronomical Institute and the Johann Bernoulli Institute, University of

Groningen. The student will work jointly with Assistant Prof. John McKean

and Prof. Michiel Biehl on the analysis of high angular resolution radio

imaging from the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR). The aim of the project is to

develop sophisticated calibration and imaging methods that connect

astronomy and complex data systems, as part of a project on advanced

instrumentation and big data.

The student will use novel *computing science methods including neural
networks*

*and other frameworks of machine learning* to analyse data from

the LOFAR radio interferometer and will develop new techniques for the

automated and robust analysis of the data taken with the International LOFAR

Telescope, which includes combining signals from the stations both within
the

Netherlands and throughout Europe. This data stream will be used to

investigate the low energy radiation from supermassive black holes at the

highest possible angular resolution to investigate particle acceleration and

energetics in the Universe’s largest natural particle accelerators. This
will be

done by combining the resolving power of LOFAR and the added

magnification provided by gravitational lensing to study black hole physics
at

redshifts where the active phase from such objects is expected to peak, and

have the largest influence on the build-up of the stellar host galaxy. The

computing science will involve developing automated methods for identifying

such objects from the LOFAR all-sky surveys data. As part of the project,
the

student will spend time at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy

(ASTRON), which operates LOFAR and where Assistant Prof. McKean also

holds a joint position.

This project is one of eighteen possible projects that are available as
part of

the Data Science and System Complexity (DSSC) initiative, which currently

has *10 PhD positions* co-funded through a Marie Sklodowska Curie COFUND

action under the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Work Programme.

The DSSC aims to train highly skilled graduates who will use
state-of-the-art

data methodology to understand the behaviour of complex systems and who

can handle data and complexity problems for society at large.

For more information about the *DSSC Doctoral Programme* and the

application procedure, please see,

http://www.rug.nl/research/fse/themes/dssc/cofund/application/

The review of applications will begin on 15 July 2017, but interested

candidates are advised to contact Assistant Prof. John McKean

(mckean at astro.rug.nl) and Prof. Michael Biehl (m.biehl at rug.nl) to discuss

their application by 8 July 2017.

-- 
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Prof. Dr. Michael Biehl
Johann Bernoulli Institute for
Mathematics and Computer Science
P.O. Box 407, 9700 AK Groningen
The Netherlands

Tel. +31 50 363 3997

www.cs.rug.nl/~biehl
m.biehl at rug.nl
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