The Institute of Astronomy has vacancies for 3 postdoctoral researchers to work with Dr. Vasily Belokurov on an ERC-funded research programme titled "Streams". The Programme is aimed at detecting dark matter clumps by observing the perturbations these induce on the nearby tidal streams in the Galactic halo, and will require a team with observational as well as analytical and numerical skills.
This Study will discover, measure and identify progenitors of new Milky Way stellar tidal streams using data from all-sky imaging, spectroscopic surveys, the upcoming Gaia mission, and by conducting our own observational campaigns. Linking the variation in stream properties with the sub-halo mass function will be investigated with N-body simulations. Applications are welcomed from researchers with interests and experience in either theory or observations in the fields of Dark Matter, galaxy formation and evolution, stellar populations, Milky Way archaeology and dynamics.
Successful applicants would also be encouraged to pursue their own research and would join a large and lively group of researchers in Cambridge working on topics related to the Milky Way and the Local Group, galaxy formation and evolution. The Institute also hosts a Gaia data centre, and is home to the Cambridge Astronomical Surveys Unit.
These appointments start from 1 January 2013 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and are available for up to five years. The salary scale will be £27,578 -£35,938 pa, depending on experience, plus superannuation benefits. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Astronomy or related field (or have submitted a PhD by the time of appointment)
Full details of the application procedure is available at http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/people/vacancies
Applications must be made via the on-line system accessible via the link above. The names and contact details of three referees are a necessary part of the submission. Referees will be contacted automatically following an application but applicants are strongly advised to prepare nominated referees for the need to provide references (in response to the online generated request) in good time. If you have any queries about your application, please email pdrec(at)ast.cam.ac.uk
Further information is available at http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk or can be obtained from Dr Vasily Belokurov (vasily(at)ast.cam.ac.uk)
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Closing date 1st November 2012
