Postdoctoral Researcher in Galaxy Evolution
Fixed term contract for 2 years, with a possible 3rd year extension contingent upon progress and fundinng.
Vacancy Name: 10006876 Senior Research Associate
The Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG, www.icg.port.ac.uk) intends to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in integral field unit (IFU) spectroscopy and data processing development to support its research in the Faculty of Technology at the University of Portsmouth.
The successful applicant will work on the upcoming project MaNGA (Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO), which is part of the fourth generation Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). MaNGA is an optical fiber-based multi-object IFU that will target 10,000 galaxies over a 6 year campaign with a scheduled first light in autumn 2014. MaNGA will allow the internal kinematics and spatially-resolved properties of stellar populations and gas inside galaxies to be studied as a function of local environment and halo mass for the very first time. The successful candidate will participate in the development of MaNGA's data processing software and in the scientific analysis of MaNGA data with Dr Daniel Thomas, Dr Karen Masters and other MaNGA team members at the ICG and within the SDSS collaboration.
The start date will be 1st September 2013, or as soon as possible thereafter. The appointment is for two years with a possible 3rd year extension contingent upon progress and funding. The salary range will be from £27,578 to £31,020 per year, and will be based on experience of the successful applicant.
A PhD in astronomy or physics is required. Experience with data processing of large data sets and software development is preferable, and previous involvement in IFU observations and analysis will be considered an advantage. Experience with or interest in stellar population analysis and/or kinematics would be useful. Applicants should submit an application form, a curriculum vitae, bibliography, and a statement of research interests through the online application system at www.port.ac.uk/vacancies by the closing date 15th January 2013. They should further arrange for three reference letters to be sent by email to icg-admin@port.ac.uk, to arrive by the same date. Late applications may be considered until the post has been filled.
For informal enquiries please contact Daniel Thomas or Karen Masters via email (daniel.thomas@port.ac.uk or karen.masters@port.ac.uk) or by calling +44 (0)23 9284 5151.
