Postdoctoral position in reionization studies: generation and analysis of synthetic observables

Heidelberg University and the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) are seeking a candidate to fill a postdoctoral research position to work on the production of synthetic images of the high-redshift Universe as part of the newly-established Cluster of Excellence "STRUCTURES". The successful candidate will join the team of Ralf Klessen and Simon Glover at the Center for Astronomy (ZAH) at Heidelberg University, but will also collaborate closely with the Galaxies and Cosmology Theory Group at MPIA led by Annalisa Pillepich.

The STRUCTURES Cluster of Excellence is a multi-disciplinary endeavor aiming at understanding the emergence, role, and detection of structure in a broad range of natural phenomena, from subatomic particles to cosmology, and from fundamental quantum physics to neuroscience. Within this context, groups at ZAH and MPIA plan to uncover the details of structure and galaxy formation during the epoch of cosmic reionization.

The successful candidate is expected to generate and analyze multi-wavelength images of high-redshift galaxies based on state-of-the-art galaxy formation simulations carried out by members of our team. These synthetic maps will be compared with existing observational data in order to benchmark the accuracy of the simulations and to make predictions for future JWST, ALMA and SKA observations. The candidate will also be responsible for producing synthetic maps of the high-redshift intergalactic medium in the 21 cm line of atomic hydrogen. This work will be carried out as a member of a larger team of astrophysicists, mathematicians, and computer scientists. Expertise in one or more of the following fields is desirable: (a) radiative transfer, (b) high-performance computing, (c) galaxy formation and evolution, (d) analysis of large data sets, and (e) connecting synthetic data to observations. 

Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field. The appointment will be for three years. The position is paid according to the German system of state employees and comes with full benefits together with a generous research and travel budget.

To receive full consideration, interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, publication list, and a brief statement of research interests by November 15, 2019, and arrange for three letters of reference to be provided separately by the same date.

All application material and reference letters need to be sent to the following email address: [email protected]

Scientific and submission inquiries can be sent to the same address.