University of California, Irvine
School of Physical Sciences
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Postdoctoral Scholar Positions in Cosmology/Astrophysics
Applications are invited for two postdoctoral scholar positions beginning Fall 2013. The postdoctoral scholars will work with Professor Asantha Cooray to analyze and interpret data from several infrared imaging and spectroscopy surveys to understand the nature of dusty starburst galaxies, faint galaxies present during reionization, gravitationally lensed sub-mm galaxies, clustering of IR galaxies, and the cosmic far and near-IR backgrounds.
One of the positions is available for a postdoctoral scholar to work on the data analysis and science studies using data from the Herschel Space Observatory. UCI is a Co-I institution of the Herschel SPIRE Instrument Science Team and is leading large-scale structure and strong lensing studies in HerMES and UCI is also the US-based PI institution for Herschel ATLAS. Starting in 2013 UCI team plans to reanalyze all of Herschel-SPIRE maps in the Herschel Science Archive and uniformly identify close to 200 bright-lensed sub-mm galaxies in over 1300 square degrees of SPIRE extragalactic maps. The new postdoctoral fellow will work with existing members to follow-up some of these lensed sources or identify ones at z > 6, among other studies.
A second position will involve analysis of CIBER sounding rocket data or Spitzer data to understand the fluctuations in the near-IR background. This position requires some combination of prior experience in analyzing IR datasets from HST/Spitzer or other ground and space-based observatories and/or experience with studies involving CMB data and secondary anisotropies.
The second position requires experience with a combination of ground-based observing, such as laser guide star adaptive optics imaging in the near-IR, with 10-meter class optical telescopes, analysis of radio interferometer data from any of JVLA, ALMA, IRAM/PdBI studying CO or dust continuum of distant galaxies, lens modeling, among others. An experience with proposal writing and leading or initiating an independent research program is useful to work effectively in the UCI group led by Prof. Cooray. Recent postdocs and students in the group have made use of access to Keck Observatories through UC time and access to Herschel, Spitzer and Hubble data through various collaborations the team is participating.
The initial appointment will be for two years, with a third year contingent on successful performance and availability of funds. Salary will be determined based on experience. The position includes a separate research and travel fund to be used by the postdoctoral scholar.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent prior to beginning the appointment.
Applicants should send a CV, publication list, statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to:
Department of Physics and Astronomy
4129 Frederick Reines Hall
Irvine, CA 92697-4575
Attn: Carrollann Simmons
Email: simmonsc@uci.edu
Electronic submission of applications and letters (in .pdf format) will be accepted. For full consideration, applications should be received by 31 December 2012.
UCI is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity.
