EDECS - Postdoc in Cosmology at the Observatory of Paris

The cosmology group at the Laboratoire Univers et Theorie of the Astronomical Observatory of Paris invites applications for one postdoctoral position in the framework of the ERC-Starting Grant EDECS: Exploring Dark Energy through Cosmic Structures, coordinated by P.S. Corasaniti. Candidates with a background in numerical cosmological simulations, theoretical modeling of non-linear structure formation and/or expertise in comparison between observations and simulations are strongly encouraged to apply. The cosmology group has an active research program on several topics in cosmology. A common effort is devoted to the realization of large volume very high-resolution numerical simulations of dark energy dominated scenarios. The group has access to several super-computing facilities (IDRIS, CCRT and TGCC) and benefits from national and international collaborations. Group members are also involved in a number of observational programs such as the XMM-XXL cluster survey and the preparation to the EUCLID mission. The appointment is for two years beginning Fall 2012. Candidates should have a PhD in Physics/Astronomy by the starting date. The deadline for applications is 1 February 2012. Candidates should send a CV including list of publications, a statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to Pier Stefano Corasaniti via e-mail to EDECS.POSTDOC2012@obspm.fr. For further information contact EDECS.ERC@obspm.fr

Meeting "Structure of the Universe", Château de Meudon, 29-30 November 2011

The program « Structure of the Universe » supported by the Scientific Council of the Astronomical Observatory of Paris organizes a workshop the 29 and 30 November at the Château de Meudon, Meudon Campus.  

The goal of this two days meeting is to gather the community working on topics related to cosmic structure formation to exchange ideas through informal discussions. The program intends to facilitate the development of scientific collaborations on themes in which members of the Paris Observatory are actively involved. Presentations by local and external invited speakers will cover the following themes: « Milky Way and Local Group » , « Cosmic Reionization with SKA and LOFAR : Observations and Simulations », « Theory  vs Observations : Galaxy Formation and Large Scale Structures ».
Information about the program can be found on the meeting webpage.

Organizers:
Pier-Stefano Corasaniti, Paola di Matteo, Simona Mei, Yann Rasera, Benoit Semelin, David Valls-Gabaud

ERC Starting Grant

The project proposal "EDECS - Exploring Dark Energy through Cosmic Structures" has been favorably reviewed by a panel of experts of the European Research Council and recommended for funding at a sufficiently high position on the priority list, which is expected to allow actual funding. The goal of the proposal is to understand the nature of Dark Energy (DE) in the Universe, a the central challenge of modern cosmology. Einstein’s cosmological constant (Λ) provides the simplest explanation to this exotic phenomenon fitting the available cosmological data thus far. However, its unnaturally tuned value indicates that other hypothesis must be explored. Furthermore, current observations do not by any means rule out alternative models in favor of the simplest “concordance” ΛCDM. In the absence of theoretical prejudice, observational tests have mainly focused on the DE equation of state. However, the detection of the inhomogeneous nature of DE will provide smoking-gun evidence that DE is dynamical, ruling out Λ. This key aspect has been mostly overlooked so far, particularly in the optimization design of the next generation of surveys dedicated to DE searches which will map the distribution of matter in the Universe with unprecedented accuracy. The success of these observations relies upon the ability to model the non-linear gravitational processes which affect the collapse of Dark Matter (DM) at small and intermediate scales. Therefore, it is of the highest importance to investigate the role of DE inhomogeneities throughout the non-linear evolution of cosmic structure formation. EDECS project intends to achieve this by developing specifically designed high-resolution numerical simulations and analytical methods to study the non-linear regime in different DE models. The hypothesis to be tested is whether the intrinsic clustering of DE can alter the predictions of the standard CDM model. The observational consequences on the DM density field and the properties of DM halos will be investigated. The results will have a profound impact in the quest for DE and reveal new observable imprints on the distribution of cosmic structures, whose detection may disclose the ultimate origin of the DE phenomenon.

That's my first post

Time to keep up with the global flow of information. I was told it is very beneficial to develop and exercise the now ancient discipline of blog writing...I will start with writing for myself, but hopefully you passerby will find something entertaining..