Postdoc in Radio Instrumentation and/or Signal Processing

The radio astronomy group at ASU invites applications for a postdoctoral research scholar to conduct research on efficient, scalable signal processing for large interferometer arrays and fast transient detection and/or to develop instrumentation for redshifted 21cm experiments to improve calibration for arrays and global signal experiments.   The position includes an annual stipend of $63,000 with health benefits. A relocation allowance will be provided.

ASU leads the development of the EPIC correlator, which is an imaging aperture-plane radio back-end that scales in computational cost as N log(N) in antenna number.  It enables continuous real-time, all-sky imaging with time resolutions in the tens of microseconds for large, dense radio arrays.  A GPU accelerated version of EPIC is currently deployed on the Long Wavelength Array (LWA) station in Sevilleta, New Mexico and collecting data.   A project for a potential postdoc is to optimize the algorithm and implementation and to develop and deploy a real-time transient detection backend. 

Instrumentation efforts focus on the reduction of systematic effects that are limiting factors in redshifted 21cm global and power spectrum cosmology measurements. These include:  (1) the development of the next-generation of the Experiment to Detect the Global EoR Signature (EDGES) instrument, including an automated calibration network, improved receiver performance, and new wideband antenna design, and (2) implementation of the ECHO system to map beam patterns of low-frequency antennas and dishes with high-accuracy for EDGES, the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA), and other arrays by flying a transmitter over the antenna or array and optimally assembling thousands of individual samples to build complete coverage of the beam pattern.

Essential duties of the position: The successful applicant will conduct original research in radio astronomy measurements at low frequencies, document results and write journal articles, and present at scientific meetings.

Minimum Qualifications: (1) Ph.D. in a relevant field by the time of appointment, but no earlier than five years before the start date, (2) demonstrated record of research accomplishment in a related field.

Desired Qualifications: (1) Relevant experience in radio instrumentation and observations, signal processing, statistical data analysis, and/or software development, (2) a record of prior achievement and experience that shows the applicant’s potential to accomplish research objectives, and (3) evidence of strong verbal and written communication skills. 

Established in 2006, SESE is the focal point of astrophysics at Arizona State University, one of the most dynamic and fastest growing institutions of higher learning in the United States.  An essential part of SESE's mission is to make new discoveries by promoting interdisciplinary science and by integrating science and engineering. SESE faculty and their research groups benefit from a variety of state-of-the-art facilities including high performance computing, access to the 2x8.4m Large Binocular Telescope, 6.5m MMT telescope, 6.5m Magellan telescopes and a host of 2m-class telescopes owned and operated by the State of Arizona. ASU is also a founding member in the Giant Magellan Telescope and the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA). Additional resources are available.  We encourage broad, transdisciplinary collaborations between SESE astronomers, planetary scientists, Earth scientists, and engineers (see: https://sese.asu.edu/).

To apply, please submit the following materials as a single PDF file: 1) a cover letter that references the Job number 12639; 2) a research statement not longer than five pages including figures and reference; 3) a current CV; and 4) the names and contact details of three references.  Email the PDF of these application materials to Prof. Judd Bowman, [email protected].

Initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is December 17, 2018; if not filled, reviews will continue weekly until search is closed. A background check is required for employment.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis protected by the law.

http://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401

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