Two three year JWST Postdoctoral Positions at Swinburne University

Two three year Post Doctoral Research Associate positions are available at the Centre for Astrophysics & Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology to work with the Laureate group of Prof. Karl Glazebrook on science with the now fully operational James Webb Space Telescope.

Position one is to undertake research on the formation and evolution of massive galaxies at high redshift using imaging and spectroscopy from JWST. Research topics are broad and can include morphology, stellar populations, formation times, initial mass function, formation times, galaxy kinematics and angular momentum.

Position two is to undertake research on finding and characterising exotic sources in the early Universe using JWST imaging and spectroscopic data. Research topics are again broad and can include supernovae and other transients, the epoch of reionisation, novel and rare galaxies, and novel machine learning methodologies.

The successful applicants will be embedded in and supported by the Laureate Group led by Prof. Karl Glazebrook which contains a diverse range of research and researchers involved in six active JWST Cycle 1 programs and who also make extensive use of the HST, Keck and VLT facilities. Opportunities for independent research and supervision of postgraduate and undergraduate students are available.

About Swinburne

Swinburne is a progressive university located in Melbourne that aims to increase Australia’s capacity in science, technology and innovation as the drivers of modern, internationalised economies and workplaces. Our university is focused on high-impact global research, high-quality teaching and active engagement with both industry and the community. Swinburne houses an active astronomy group, which is one of Australia's largest astronomy centres. Swinburne astronomers have institutional access to W.M. Keck telescopes in Hawaii, and regularly obtain observing time on the AAT, ESO telescopes, HST, Magellan, ATCA and Parkes telescopes. The Centre has OzSTAR, the Australian GPU Supercomputer for Theoretical Astrophysics, available in-house, as well as access to state-of-the-art 3D visualisation facilities.

About you

The positions are at Swinburne level A6. The appointments are for three years, ideally starting in early 2023 but negotiable. To be successful in the role you will need:

• A PhD in astronomy, astrophysics or computer science (submitted at start of position)

• A strong track record of research as demonstrated by publication

• Demonstrated time and project management skills

• Demonstrated ability to takes ownership of, and lead aspects of, scientific projects

A full list of selection criteria are listed in the Position Descriptions available via the application portal.

Application process

To view the position description or to start an application click on the corresponding 'apply' link at the bottom of this page and submit a resume, research proposal, cover letter and response to the Key Selection Criteria, as listed in the Position Description.

Shortlisting for this role will occur in early Dec 2022, and at that time shortlisted candidates will be asked for a letters of recommendation prior to interview.

Applications close Sunday November 20th, at 11:00 pm (AEDT)

Swinburne University of Technology is a Child Safe Organisation and as part of this commitment, all appointments are subject to a valid Working with Children Check. More information: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/about/jobs/why-work-at-swinburne/