Postdoctoral Position studying Local Group Galaxies

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position at the Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Astrophysical Sciences (CAS) in Baltimore, Maryland. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Karoline Gilbert to study the dynamics, chemistry, and formation history of galaxies in the Local Group. This position will include undertaking investigations into the evolution and dynamical history of the M31 system, including M33, using a large archive of resolved stellar spectroscopy, resolved stellar imaging, and ancillary datasets.

As the only dwarf spiral galaxy in the Local Group, M33 provides a unique opportunity to study the resolved stellar dynamics and abundance gradients of a low-mass, star-forming spiral galaxy, to investigate the stability of low-mass disks, and to gain insight into the evolutionary history of the M31-M33 system. M33’s disk has also been surveyed extensively by other facilities, including contiguous Hubble Space Telescope imaging from the ultraviolet through the infrared and observations of HI and Hα with Arecibo and the VLA. These provide a wealth of ancillary datasets that can be utilized in interpreting the Keck/DEIMOS spectroscopic observations, including comparisons between the kinematics of the stars, ionized, neutral, and molecular gas.

This position will include collaboration with members of the M31 and M33 spectroscopic project, especially Prof. Puragra Guhathakurta (University of California Santa Cruz) and Dr. Erik Tollerud (STScI), and will provide opportunities to collaborate with members of the Panchromatic Hubble Andromeda Treasury Team.

The future postdoc will be encouraged to integrate into both the JHU and Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) communities, including the ISM*@ST research group. The dynamic, welcoming, and inclusive ISM*@ST group (https://sites.google.com/view/ism-stsci/home) includes PIs Martha Boyer, Karoline Gilbert, Karl Gordon, Joshua Peek, Julia Roman-Duval, and Erik Tollerud, as well as a number of postdocs and graduate students. The ISM*@ST group has broad scientific interests centered on the interstellar medium, from dust producing stars to the gas and dust in the interstellar and circumgalactic medium, and studies of resolved stellar populations. This research will involve working with and, if possible, proposing for observations with Hubble, JWST, and ground-based facilities. Independent research in related areas will be encouraged and supported up to the 50% level pending satisfactory progress on the main project.

The successful applicants will benefit from interactions with the Johns Hopkins University and STScI research staff, a career mentoring program at STScI, and a stimulating work environment rich in colloquia, journal clubs, and symposia, hosted through both JHU’s CAS and STScI.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field at the start of the post-doctoral researcher position. Applicants with experience in the areas of resolved stellar population analysis, dynamical analyses, or chemical abundance measurements are especially well-suited to the position. Researchers with a theoretical background in galaxy formation and evolution who are interested in working closely with observers are also encouraged to apply. Expertise in optical-NIR spectroscopy, numerical methods, statistics, or comparison of data with simulations, will be a plus.

The position is for two years, with a possible renewal for a third year subject to performance and availability of funds. The nominal start date is summer or early fall of 2021, but earlier start dates are possible. A competitive benefits package is provided by Johns Hopkins University. We especially welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, LBGTQ+ people, and other members of underrepresented groups.

Prospective applicants should complete an on-line application through:

http://apply.interfolio.com/80720

The following materials are requested in a single PDF file: a brief cover letter detailing your research interests and relevant expertise, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a summary of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages). Also, applicants should arrange for three confidential letters of reference to be submitted on their behalf. Complete applications received by December 7, 2020, will receive full consideration, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Reference letters should be submitted by December 14, 2020 via Interfolio for full consideration. For assistance on how to “Request a Recommendation” within your Interfolio application, please email Cindy Franz at [email protected]

Inquiries about the position may be sent directly to Dr. Gilbert at [email protected].

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.