The new Centre for Extragalactic Theory (CET) in Cape Town, South Africa, invites applications for (up to) four-year CET Postdoctoral Fellowship positions in galaxy formation and broadly related areas. The successful candidate will be expected to lead an independent program, coordinated with CET director Romeel Dave, focusing on theoretical/numerical studies of galaxy formation, intergalactic medium evolution, and/or cosmology, with an emphasis on comparisons to multi-wavelength observations. Also, observers who are interested in using South Africa telescopes while being heavily involved in comparing data to simulations are encouraged to apply. For those unfamiliar with Cape Town, it is a spectacularly scenic and fully modern city with nearby beaches, mountains, exotic wildlife, and wine country.
CET is a joint venture between the University of Western Cape (UWC), the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), and the African Institute for Mathematical Studies (AIMS), which are all located in the greater Cape Town area, and is primarily funded by Dr. Dave's South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) position. At UWC, there are currently seven astronomy faculty and numerous postdocs, while at SAAO there are over 50 research astronomers running the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and other South African facilities. AIMS features an active group in cosmology, focused on dark energy. Additionally, the nearby University of Cape Town boasts a large and lively astronomy department. The CET also plans to run a vigorous visitor program and host annual conferences in South Africa.
Substantial computing facilities are available in Cape Town through the Centre for High Performance Computing and other sources. Fellows will be encouraged to use South African telescope facilities, including SALT and the (partially operational) MeerKAT radio array. Finally, Dr. Dave is involved with numerous multi-wavelength projects, including CANDELS, COS-Halos, LADUMA, and GASS, in which Fellows could potentially participate.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in astronomy or astrophysics upon commencing the position. The salary will be near the top end of the South African postdoc payscale; while lower than U.S./European norms, this income is tax-free. Funding will be available for travel and research expenses. The anticipated starting date is between June and December, 2013. The initial appointment will be for two years, with up to a two-year extension possible (pending funding availibility) for a total of four years. Applicants should send a CV, a research statement detailing previous work and future plans (not to exceed 5 pages), and arrange for three letters of reference, all to be emailed to rad@as.arizona.edu by DECEMBER 1, 2012.
