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Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

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Fully Funded PhD Positions in Observational Astrophysics and Cometary Evolution Institute of Astronomy and National Astronomical Observatory, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Bulgaria

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Two fully funded 3-year PhD positions with a highly competitive PhD salary for Bulgaria. The project also provides dedicated funding for international conferences and research visits with Swiss and international partners.

Deadline

Sep 30, 2026

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Country

Bulgaria

University

Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

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Keywords

Computer Science
Data Science
Planetary Science
Astronomy
Earth Science
Statistics
Physics

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About this position

Dr. Rosita Kokotanekova’s research group is inviting applications for two fully funded PhD positions in Observational Astrophysics within the newly established CLIC (Cometary Life Cycle) project at the Institute of Astronomy and National Astronomical Observatory, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The project studies the physical evolution of cometary nuclei from formation to their gradual end. The research will combine data from large surveys, especially LSST, with targeted observations from the National Observatory Rozhen and other 4- to 8-meter telescopes. The two PhD topics are: (1) Internal Structure and Fast Rotators, focused on mining large observational datasets to identify fast-rotating comets and Centaurs and constrain bulk physical properties such as density and tensile strength; and (2) Extreme Shapes and Contact Binaries, focused on tracking the evolution of extreme cometary shapes as they migrate closer to the Sun and estimating the fraction of contact binaries across evolutionary stages.

The positions are fully funded for 3 years and include a highly competitive PhD salary for Bulgaria. The group also offers a collaborative environment, dedicated funding for international conferences and research visits, and access to world-class observational facilities.

Applicants should have a strong background in physics, astrophysics, or data science. Prior experience in planetary science is not required. The call is especially relevant for prospective MSc graduates interested in solar system science in Bulgaria.

Deadline for full consideration: 2026-09-30. Target start date: 2026-11-01.

Full application details and required documents are available via the link in the comments.

Funding details

Two fully funded 3-year PhD positions with a highly competitive PhD salary for Bulgaria. The project also provides dedicated funding for international conferences and research visits with Swiss and international partners.

What's required

Applicants should have a strong background in physics, astrophysics, or data science. Prior experience in planetary science is not required, but applicants should be eager to work with large observational datasets. The post is aimed at prospective MSc graduates interested in solar system science.

How to apply

Read the full application details and required documents at the job link provided in the comments. Prepare the requested materials and submit them according to the instructions on the linked page.

More information can be found here

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