KIAA postdoctoral research positions in large-scale optical imaging and spectroscopic surveys

The Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (KIAA) at Peking University (PKU) invites applications for postdoctoral research appointments that are broadly related to large-scale optical imaging and spectroscopic surveys. The appointment will be for two years, renewable for one more year subject to a performance evaluation.

We seek qualified applicants to work with Professors Linhua Jiang, Subo Dong, Yingjie Peng, and Xue-Bing Wu, on topics related, but not limited, to the following areas:

1) Searches of high-redshift AGNs/quasars and galaxies and studies of their properties, using existing and upcoming wide-field imaging and spectroscopic surveys. Linhua Jiang is a member of DESI and PFS.

2) Studying supernovae and other transients discovered by the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN). The work will include organizing and reducing photometric and spectroscopic follow-up observations as well as leading papers on transients with a focus on supernovae. Subo Dong is a member of ASAS-SN.

3) Studies of galaxy formation and evolution over cosmic time, using existing and upcoming large spectroscopic and multi-band imaging surveys, including SDSS IV & V, COSMOS, MOONS on VLT and etc. Yingjie Peng is a member of SDSS V.

4) Studies of variability of AGNs/quasars with both photometric and spectroscopic observations, including photometric reverberation mapping, searching for changing-look AGNs/quasars and selecting quasar candidates from multi-epoch photometric surveys. Xue-Bing Wu is the PI of a LAMOST quasar survey and a member of the Chinese LSST consortium.

Position requirements: General familiarity with handling of large astronomical data sets; general knowledge of AGNs, galaxies, and extragalactic astronomy; general knowledge of optical and infrared observations and data reduction. The successful applicants will work closely with PKU faculty in one of these areas and are also encouraged to pursue their own independent studies.

With English as its working language, KIAA is an intellectual platform for scientific exchange. KIAA is engaged in national and international theoretical and observational initiatives, development and use of facilities, and student training, pursued in partnerships with other Kavli institutes and a network of domestic and international astronomy centers. KIAA regularly sponsors thematic workshops and conferences. The KIAA and the Department of Astronomy have about 25 faculty, 30 postdoctoral fellows, 60 graduate students, 110 undergraduates, and many visiting scholars. For more information on KIAA, see http://kiaa.pku.edu.cn.

RANK: Postdoctoral fellow.

SALARY: Depending on qualifications and experience.

START DATE: April/July/October 1 2018

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or related fields, completed or expected by the effective date, and a demonstrated record of research excellence. PKU is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of any nationality are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a brief summary of research interests, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly via email. The application materials should be send to Shuyan Liu. Email: [email protected]

DEADLINE: Applications received prior to January 31, 2018, will receive full consideration.