Dust evolution in PDRs with the JWST

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position at the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS) at the Université Paris-Saclay, to start autumn 2021. The successful candidate will be member of the Astrophysics of Interstellar Matter research group. The group's research interests include the nature and evolution of interstellar dust from the diffuse interstellar medium to dense regions (molecular clouds, star-forming regions, proto-planetary disks), the interaction of radiation with matter, and the physics of the interstellar gas. Our interests also encompass the interstellar medium in distant galaxies. The group brings together experts in observation (in particular, from space missions), the modelling of interstellar dust (emission, extinction and scattering) and gas, and radiative transfer. 

The postdoctoral project will focus on dust evolution, with the analysis of JWST Guaranteed Time observations of photon-dominated regions (PDRs) taken in the first year of operation. The JWST will allow us to spatially resolve dust emission and scattering, and the emission lines of key molecules.

Candidates are expected to have a PhD in the field of interstellar medium and/or interstellar dust studies in our galaxy, nearby or distant galaxies and to have experience in the observation and modelling of dust emission and/or scattering, including radiative transfer. The appointed post-doc will have the support of the local French center of experise for the MIRI instrument. 

The postdoctoral appointment is initially for one year with possible extensions for two more years.

Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a description of their expertise and research interests, and their vision for the exploitation of JWST data. Candidates should arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent, preferably by e-mail.