Project Title: Stellar Astrophysics: new standard candles
Contact: Laurent Eyer (Laurent.Eyer@unige.ch)
Further Details: http://www.unige.ch/sciences/astro/an/
Description: The UNIGE ESR will focus on studying the physics driving the variability and instability of the OSARG Ogle Small Amplitude Red Giants, and in particular how metallicity affects the variability properties of a star. Both aspects are essential for their calibration as standard candles via Gaia’s astrometry. We expect to find entirely new classes of variable stars suitable as standard candles in the Gaia data through specialised data mining tools. The newly calibrated standard candles can then be used to extend studies of Galactic and extragalactic structure beyond Gaia’s astrometric capabilities.
Important Eligibility Information concerning ESRs:
Early-stage researchers are those who are, at the time of selection by the host institution, in the first four years (full time equivalent) of their research careers. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which formally entitles them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged. Researchers are normally required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment. One general rule applies to the appointment of researchers in a network:At the time of selection by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account. As far as international European interest organisations or international organisations are concerned, this rule does not apply to the hosting of eligible researchers, however the appointed researcher must not have spent more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the selection by the host organisation in the same appointing organisation.