Open to opportunities

Jude Wijesekera

@judewijesekera

Astronomy PhD researcher studying galaxy evolution, dust and star-formation rates—combining Python coding with multiwavelength data analysis.

Poland

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m seeking an astronomy/astrophysics research role where I can study galaxy evolution, dust, and AGN physics using simulations and multiwavelength datasets—bringing strong Python skills, scientific writing, and a collaborative teaching mindset.

I’m a PhDinAstronomy(reading) candidate at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland, focused on “Time evolution of the star formation rate density in the early Universe.” My work spans dust and molecular gas in main-sequence galaxies (3 < z < 4) and the evolution of dust attenuation and infrared luminosity functions out to high redshift.

Beyond research, I’ve led teaching and academic development as “Head of the Academic Staff” and a “Teaching Assistant,” guiding large cohorts through practical lab sessions and structured course materials. I’m comfortable with multiwavelength astronomy tools and data products, and I’m motivated to contribute to collaborative, publication-driven research while communicating results clearly.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

SIMBA Simulation Intern

National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ)

Jul 2025 - Aug 2025 (1 month)

Carried out SIMBA cosmological simulation work during an internship at NCBJ. Contributed to simulation-based cosmology research activities over the internship period.

SIMBA Cosmological Simulation Research Support Scientific Research

SIMBA Simulation Intern

National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ)

May 2025 - May 2025 (0 months)

Carried out SIMBA cosmological simulation work as part of a short internship program. Performed simulation-focused research tasks within the NCBJ research environment.

SIMBA Cosmological Simulation Research Support Scientific Research

X-ray AGN Research Intern

International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA)

Jun 2021 - Sep 2021 (3 months)

Conducted research on a comprehensive X-ray view of the active nucleus in NGC 4258 as an internship project. Applied astronomy research methods to support the study during the internship period.

X Ray Astronomy Research Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN)NGC 4258 Scientific Research Multiwavelength Astronomy

Head of Academic Staff

Institute of Astronomy, Sri Lanka

Jan 2018 - Jan 2020 (2 years)

Trained and mentored undergraduate students, overseeing their academic progress and development. Designed and managed course materials and organized practical observing camps for hands-on astronomy experience.

Mentoring Curriculum Design Academic Staff Leadership Observational Camp Coordination

Teaching Assistant

The Open University of Sri Lanka

Jan 2017 - Jan 2019 (2 years)

Guided over 200 undergraduate students through complex physics laboratory sessions across multiple disciplines. Supervised experiments to ensure safe execution and evaluated student performance through coursework, lab reports, and examination invigilation.

Physics Laboratory Supervision Experimental Safety Protocols Student Evaluation Exams Invigilation Optics

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Nicolaus Copernicus University

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Astronomy

2022 - 2026

Activities and societies: Supervisor: dr. hab. Maciej Koprowski, Prof. UMK.

PhD studies in Astronomy (reading) at Nicolaus Copernicus University under the supervision of dr. hab. Maciej Koprowski, Prof. UMK. Dissertation: Time evolution of the star formation rate density in the early Universe.

University of Padova

Master of Science (MSc), Astrophysics and Cosmology

2020 - 2022

Activities and societies: Supervisor: Professor Paolo Cassata.

MSc in Astrophysics and Cosmology at the University of Padova under the supervision of Professor Paolo Cassata. Thesis: Dust and molecular gas properties of a large sample of main-sequence galaxies at 3 < z < 4.

The Open University of Sri Lanka

Bachelor of Science (BSc), Natural Sciences (Physics)

2012 - 2017

BSc in Natural Sciences (Physics) at The Open University of Sri Lanka. Thesis: Analysis of type II and type III solar radio burst using e-Calisto system.