The Department of Astronomy at the University of Virginia invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate position in the area of
Galactic stellar populations and near-infrared spectroscopy, with a particular focus on data reduction and software development for the
Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE). APOGEE, an experiment within Sloan Digital Sky Survey III (SDSS-III), is a kinematical and chemical abundance survey of over 100,000 Milky Way giant stars across the bulge, disk, and halo.
Stellar parameters, radial velocities, and abundances of about 15 chemical elements will be determined for the stars explored by the
APOGEE using its 300-fiber, high-resolution (R = 22,500), H-band spectrograph. The postdoc will be a member of the APOGEE team and
will contribute to the development of the reduction pipeline software that automatically (1) extracts, combines and calibrates one-dimensional spectra from APOGEE's multi-object, two-dimensional images, (2) measures precision radial velocities, and (3) derives
stellar atmospheric parameters and elemental abundances for each targeted star. Many of the basic elements of the software pipelines are in place; we seek applicants who can join the team to aid in testing, improving and adding critical elements to the existing codes. Given that most of the existing software is in IDL, demonstrated experience working in this environment would be a significant benefit The postdoc will have 20% personal science research time within a data-rich environment.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in astronomy or related field. We seek candidates with a strong background/experience in software
development as well as one or more of the following areas: spectroscopic observation and reduction, NIR spectroscopy, stellar atmospheres and stellar abundance analysis. Candidates with a strong interest in the science that will be pursued by APOGEE will
be preferred. SDSS-III is a multi-national project, and the successful candidates will have the opportunity to interact with experts from a large number of collaborating institutions.
The position is available starting immediately. The current appointment term is through December 2014; a longer term is contingent on successful funding of SDSS-IV. Pay level will be commensurate with experience.
To apply, please submit a candidate profile online through Jobs@UVA https://jobs.virginia.edu; search on Posting Number 0611256) and
electronically attach the following: cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), publication list, and a statement of research interests (particularly as may be related to exploitation of APOGEE data).
Also under separate cover by email, please arrange for three (3) confidential letters of recommendation to be emailed to Barbara K. Johnson, bkn9x@Virginia.EDU, with subject heading "APOGEE POSTDOC". Review of applications will begin on February 1, 2013
and will continue until the position is filled.
Questions regarding the candidate profile process or Jobs@UVa should be directed to: Barbara Johnson, bkn9x@virginia.edu
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
