Postdoctoral Research Assistant position with the WISDOM project

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant position with the WISDOM project and/or interstellar medium (ISM) science.

The post is a fixed-term until 31st March 2025 and available from 1st April 2022.

Under the supervision of Prof. Martin Bureau, the current position is primarily to work with the international WISDOM (mm-Wave Interferometric Survey of Dark Object Masses) team on high spatial resolution (~10 pc) Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) studies of the molecular ISM of nearby galaxies, with a focus on the centres of galaxies.

Candidates working on any aspect of WISDOM will be considered, including dynamics (e.g. supermassive black hole mass measurements, gas flows, active galactic nucleus feedback), molecular clouds (properties, formation, evolution), and any other facets of the data not yet exploited. However, the preferred emphasis of this position is the molecular ISM itself, and it is hoped the selected candidate will play a leading role developing this research direction. In particular, it is anticipated he/she/they will participate in observational and/or theoretical studies of the spatially-resolved properties of giant molecular clouds (GMCs), and both use and further develop formalisms for their interpretation (GMC structure, dynamical state, lifetime, formation, evolution).

Programmes to measure spatially-resolved star-formation rates and thus star-formation efficiencies are also ongoing, primarily with the Very Large Array (VLA) and Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) SITELLE instruments. Extensions to distant galaxies using strongly-lensed systems are also being considered. A good example of the current data, analysis, and modelling of GMCs can be found in Liu L., et al., 2021, MNRAS, 505, 4048, but a handful of other GMC papers are in the refereeing/submission stage and could be provided on demand.

Applicants should possess, or be very close to obtaining, a doctorate in physics or a related field and ideally a strong background in astrophysics.

Previous experience in studies of giant molecular clouds and the interstellar medium of galaxies will be an advantage.

Candidates are also expected to have a proven record of academic research, the capacity for independent work, the ability to work and interact positively with colleagues and the team, a demonstrated ability for data analysis/scientific computing, and excellent decision-making, problem-solving, planning and organisational skills. The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.

As part of your online application you will be asked to upload a supporting statement (maximum 1 page), curriculum vitae, list of publications, and (past, current, and future) research statement (maximum 3 pages), and to provide details of three referees. You should also arrange for a reference letter from each of the nominated referees to be sent to Leanne O’Donnell ([email protected]) by the closing date. All applications must be received by midday UK time on Thursday 20 January 2022.