Astro 3D Postdoctoral Researcher on Galaxy Evolution

A senior postdoctoral position at the Swinburne University Centre for Astrophysics & Supercomputing is available to undertake research on galaxy evolution as part of the ARC Centre of Excellence for All‐sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions (ASTRO 3D), under the guidance of Prof. Karl Glazebrook.

ASTRO 3D is a $40m Research Centre of Excellence led by Prof. Lisa Kewley. ASTRO 3D is funded over seven years by the Australian Research Council and supported by six collaborating Australian universities ‐ ANU, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Swinburne University of Technology, University of Western Australia and Curtin University. Other Australian partners in the Centre include CSIRO, the Australian Astronomical Observatory and National Computational Infrastructure. ASTRO 3D includes collaborations with world leading international institutions.

The ASTRO 3D mission is to produce a comprehensive picture of the evolution of matter, the chemical elements, and ionizing radiation in the Universe from shortly after the Big Bang to the present day. ASTRO 3D trains the next generation of scientific leaders and conducts nationwide education and public outreach programs.

This position, based at Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia, is for three years and is aimed at follow-up observations and interpretation of newly discovered gravitational lens systems with Prof. Karl Glazebrook. It is expected that the work will involve ground-based and space-based imaging, as well as spectroscopic redshift measurements and integral field spectroscopy. 

ASTRO 3D supports the activities of around 200 researchers, administrative staff and students, provides a collaborative working environment and supports a flexible, family friendly working environment. Subject to visa restrictions, this opportunity is available as either a full‐time or part‐time position.

Swinburne houses an active astronomy group, and 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. 

Melbourne ranked highly as one of the world's most liveable cities by The Economist and is a cosmopolitan place with a mild climate and many cultural and sporting events. Mountains, ocean and wine growing regions are easily accessible. The Centre itself is located in the diverse inner city suburb of Hawthorn with very good public transport connections. 

The appointment will be level A or B (salary $81,350-108,961) for three years (full time equivalent) of funding with one year of probation. Preference will be for applicants with prior post-doctoral experience though applications are welcome from exceptional PhD candidates.  Applications must be submitted online through the Swinburne online system https://swinjobs.nga.net.au/?jati=7AF45908-2637-2DAB-74CD-A3FE69D754D1. Application deadline is May 15, 2018. Anticipated start date is around Sep 2018 (negotiable).

If you have any questions concerning this job or application process, please contact Prof. Karl Glazebrook ([email protected]). 

Key Selection Criteria:

A PhD in observational astrophysics

o A strong track record of research in galaxy evolution as demonstrated by publication

o Experience in handing data from optical/IR imaging cameras and spectrographs

o Proficient interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work within a diverse team.

Prior relevant post-doctoral experience is highly desirable. The full Position Description is available at the online link. Please arrange for three references addressing the selection criteria to be sent to Ms Liz Thackray ([email protected]) by the deadline.