Postdoctoral Research Assistant in B-mode science with the Simons Observatory

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellow in B-mode science with the Simons Observatory.

The post is available for a fixed-term duration of 24 months.

The post holder will work with Professor David Alonso as a member of the Simons Observatory, in its quest to detect primordial gravitational waves from the large-scale B-mode polarisation of the Cosmic Microwave Background. The work will target the analysis of the first data from the Simons Observatory, developing methods to obtain reliable “science-ready” data products and component separation methods, and using them to obtain early B-mode constraints from SO. In addition to this, the successful candidate will be encouraged to develop an independent research programme in cosmology and astrophysics, and to work closely with other members of the Beecroft Institute for Particle Astrophysics (BIPAC) at Oxford.

The successful candidate will work as part of the Simons Observatory, within the B-modes working group. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with other groups within SO, and will involve the development of robust data analysis pipelines able to process CMB polarisation maps and extract reliable constraints on primordial tensor fluctuations. Good programming and time management skills, as well as a keen attention to detail will be required. In addition to this, the candidate will be able to develop a personal research programme in observational cosmology, interacting with other faculty members fellows in the group. The candidate will take part in the academic life of BIPAC and the astrophysics group at the Physics Department.

Candidates should have experience working in a collaboration, contributing to publications and scientific presentations, and be able to contribute new ideas for research projects.

Applicants should possess, or close to obtaining a doctorate in physics or a related field and ideally a strong background in Astrophysics, and good coding experience.

Previous experience in the field of Cosmology, Computational Astrophysics, Early Universe or Gravitational Physics will be an advantage.

The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach if desired.

Only applications received before midday Friday 28 November 2022 can be considered. You will be required to upload a supporting statement, CV and details of two referees as part of your online application. Your referees should be asked to send their letters, before the application deadline, to [email protected].