The Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit (ACRU) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal invites applications for a postdoctoral research position to work in the area of extragalactic astronomy. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to conduct optical/IR follow-up studies of galaxy clusters discovered in Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (http://www.physics.princeton.edu/act) or X-ray (http://www.xcs-home.org) surveys. Alternatively, they may pursue projects related to high-redshift galaxy formation and evolution, using data from deep and wide field surveys being conducted with HST and Herschel. ACRU will participate in the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST; http://www.lsst.org) project through the South African consortium, and the candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the LSST survey. The successful candidate will also have access to observing time on the Southern African Large Telescope (http://www.salt.ac.za) and on all national facilities at the SA Astronomical Observatory and Hartebeesthoek Radio Observatory.
The position is for two years with the possibility of extension to three years. The starting date is negotiable and dates from 1 January 2013 are possible. A generous allowance will be provided for international travel and research expenses.
Applicants should e-mail a statement of research interests, a bibliography, and a curriculum vitae to Kavilan Moodley (moodleyk41@ukzn.ac.za), and arrange to have three letters of reference e-mailed to the above address, by 15 November 2012, for full consideration. Please visit http://www.acru.ukzn.ac.za for more information on our research group. For further inquiries about this position please contact Matt Hilton (hiltonm@ukzn.ac.za).
Medical insurance
