Postdoctoral Scholar in Extragalactic Astrophysics at Caltech/IPAC

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. IPAC, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground.

We invite applications from talented researchers in extragalactic astrophysics. The successful applicant will work with Drs. Andreas Faisst, Daniel Masters, Harry Teplitz and collaborators on research in the field of high-redshift quasars and early galaxy evolution. Specifically, the research will be aimed at studying z = 6 low-luminosity quasars and their environment with new HST grism and JWST observations, as well as probing the evolution of star-formation of galaxies across cosmic time using archival Herschel and Spitzer measurements. The postdoctoral scholar will lead the data reduction and analysis of the HST grism observations, and will conduct an analysis of the star formation of galaxies in the COSMOS field using Herschel and Spitzer measurements. The results of the latter analysis will be relevant for measuring galaxy physics with the upcoming Euclid mission.  The successful applicant will engage with the Euclid team both in Europe and the U.S. to conduct research using Euclid photometry and grism spectroscopy. 

In addition, the successful applicant will also have a fraction of their time for independent research and will have access to observing facilities including Palomar.

Qualifications and Experience

• Prior research experience with space and/or ground-based imaging/spectroscopic data (especially HST grism observations), and in extragalactic astronomy or star formation is highly desirable. 
• Experience with effectively working in a team environment is preferred. 
• Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in astronomy, physics or a related field in an area relevant to the responsibilities by the starting date (Spring 2023)
• Experience with machine learning methods is a plus.

Appointment Details

• This appointment is for two years, and an additional year is possible contingent on performance and funding availability.
• Applications submitted by January 23, 2023 will receive full consideration, but review of applications will continue until a suitable candidate has been identified. Applications should be directed via email to [email protected].

Required Documents

• A brief cover letter describing your interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Publication list
• Contact information of 3 professional references
• Summary of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages). 

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We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at [email protected].