Postdoctoral Position in Infrared Extragalactic Astrophysics

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position with Prof. J.D. Smith in the field of extragalactic astrophysics. The successful applicant will join a research program focused on infrared-derived gas metal abundances, both locally and at high redshift.  Among other goals, this program aims to exploit the temperature insensitivity of far-infrared fine structure emission lines to help answer a question as basic as "is the gas in galaxies in the Universe, on average, super- or sub-solar?", which remains elusive due to decades-old systematic uncertainties.  The successful applicant will also join the CHAOS team (UMN/OSU), which is using the twin MODS spectrographs on the LBT to increase by more than tenfold the depth and coverage of direct optical abundances in the local universe.

The position will involve active participation in all phases of the project: data reduction, analysis, modeling, and publication of results in close collaboration with a strong international team.  Involvement in the broad range of science themes enabled by our group's comprehensive multi-wavelength galaxy surveys will be encouraged, as will continuation and expansion of the applicant's current research.  

The appointment is for one year initially, but is expected to extend to three. The Toledo astronomy program has 8 faculty members, 3 postdocs, and 15 graduate students, and is a partner in the Discovery Channel Telscope.  

Candidates must hold or anticipate a Ph.D. or equivalent in physics or astronomy. Related research and extragalactic observing experience, including optical or infrared spectroscopy, may be helpful. To apply, please send vitae, bibliography, and statement of research, and arrange to have three letters of reference sent by email to [email protected], by Feb. 15, 2019.