University of Warsaw Astronomical Observatory invites candidates for doctoral studies in astronomy at the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences University of Warsaw
The University of Warsaw Astronomical Observatory is a leading astronomical institution in Poland. It has a high global position in the field of large-scale photometric sky surveys thanks to the OGLE and ASAS projects conducted for over twenty years. Our staff also actively participates in such renowned global projects as HESS and CTA (high-energy observations), LIGO/VIRGO (gravitational waves), and satellite missions such as Gaia (mass astrometry, transient phenomena).
PhD students at the Observatory have the opportunity to collaborate with an outstanding scientific team and actively participate in projects conducted by the UW Observatory or within the framework of international cooperation. They publish papers in reputable astronomical journals and present their results at international scientific conferences.
According to the new law on higher education and science, since 2019, astronomical doctoral studies at the University of Warsaw are conducted within the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences and last 4 years. UW PhD students will now receive a scholarship of 4242 PLN gross (before the mid-term evaluation) and 5340.90 PLN gross monthly (after the mid-term evaluation).
Those interested in undertaking doctoral studies are requested to contact potential supervisors, according to the following list of proposed topics. Registration and application submissions is ongoing from April 14 and will last until May 21. Full schedule and detailed instructions on the Doctoral School website: Recruitment 2026/27
A large proportion of pulsating red giants exhibit additional long-period variability known as LSP (Long Secondary Period). It is suspected that this variability is caused by the star being in a binary system, where the companion is a former planet that has accreted some of the material lost by the giant.
The aim of the research will be to analyze photometric observations in the optical and infrared domains, as well as spectroscopic observations of long-period variable stars, using both ground-based and space-based surveys, in order to verify this hypothesis.
The candidate is required to have an education in astronomy and programming skills.
Astrophysical application of gravitationally lensed quasars
The project focuses on the use of gravitationally lensed quasars to study fundamental cosmological parameters and the distribution of matter in the Universe. It includes measuring the Hubble constant via time-delay analysis, investigating mass distributions in galaxies and galaxy clusters, and searching for dark matter halo substructure in the Milky Way. The work will combine theoretical approaches (simulations and lens modelling) with observational studies based primarily on data from Gaia DR4 and LSST, complemented by dedicated observations using the BHTOM telescope network. Experience in data analysis, observational astronomy, and programming (e.g., Python) is required.
Using Interferometric Observations to Study Gravitational Microlensing Events
How many black holes are in the Milky Way? What is their mass distribution? Does it differ from the mass distribution of black holes discovered by gravitational wave detectors? We do not know the answers to these and other fundamental questions regarding black holes in our Galaxy. One method that allows us to discover and study black holes is gravitational microlensing.
In recent months, a new interferometric instrument, GRAVITY+, was launched at the European Southern Observatory (ESO). It enables detailed studies of virtually all gravitational microlensing events discovered by modern microlensing surveys, including precise measurements of the masses, distances, and proper motions of the lensing objects. The goal of this project is to exploit the capabilities provided by this new instrument to search for and study dark objects (including neutron stars and black holes) in the Milky Way.
Candidate Requirements: Programming skills and experience in the analysis of observational data (required). Preferred: Experience in the analysis of interferometric observations and/or the modeling of gravitational microlensing events.
