Applications are invited for two postdoctoral positions at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh (Scotland, UK), working with Prof. Rob Ivison on a joint observational and theoretical programme to determine the impact of merger-driven star formation over cosmic history. These are the first of four posts, funded via a European Research Council Advanced Grant. The successful applicants will join a research team at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC), which is co-located with the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Astronomy on the beautiful Blackford Hill site in a southern suburb of Scotland's capital.
One of the successful applicants will have experience in ISM modelling, preferably PDR/XDR modelling and simulations in resolved regions in external galaxies, with the ability to extend models to cosmic-ray-dominated regions, and to interface effectively with observational projects using Herschel, JVLA and ALMA. Te other will be experienced with gravitational lens modelling.
Funding is available for up to 5 years, starting April 2013, with some flexibility. Salary will be set according to experience and is subject to performance. Appointment at a salary level commensurate with prestigious international research fellowships will be possible for an outstanding candidate. Where appropriate, assistance with relocation expenses may also be available.
These positions come with generous funds for collaborative visits, observing and conferences, and for the provision of computing equipment. A high-performance cluster will be available for the analysis of data from, e.g., ALMA and JVLA, and for numerical simulations.
UK ATC, an establishment of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), is the UK's national centre for the design and production of world-leading astronomical telescopes, instruments and systems. Current major projects include KMOS for the European Southern Observatory and MIRI for the James Webb Space Telescope. UK ATC scientists will enjoy guaranteed time with both. The UK ATC is playing a leading role in the design and development of systems and new technologies for the European Extremely Large Telescope.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Prof. Rob Ivison (rji@roe.ac.uk).
Applicants should send their CV to recruitment@roe.ac.uk along with their publication list and a letter explaining their interests and their suitability for one of the posts. They should arrange for 3 academic references to be sent to the same email address.
Applications received by 18 January 2013 will receive full consideration. Interviews will likely be held in early to mid February 2013.
