Postdoctoral Research – Observational Extragalactic Astronomy

Postdoctoral Research – Observational Extragalactic Astronomy

About the job
Applications are invited for a 2 year postdoctoral researcher position in observational extragalactic astronomy in the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing (CAS) at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. The postdoc will work with Prof. Duncan Forbes and Prof. Warrick Couch, and collaborators in Australia on an Australian Research Council funded project to better understand galaxy formation and evolution. In particular, the focus will be on the role of the cluster/group environment in shaping galaxies. The postdoc will work with both archival and new observations, including those of the Fornax cluster.  Opportunities to supervise postgraduate students and to conduct independent research are foreseen.

About CAS
CAS is one of Australia's largest astronomy research centres, with 24 academic staff, 17 postdoctoral researchers and 40 PhD students. Swinburne astronomers have institutional access to the Keck telescopes (10-12 nights/year), and Australia recently began a 10-year partnership with ESO with national access to all of the telescopes at ESO’s La Silla and Paranal Observatories. CAS also hosts the `OzStar' supercomputer. Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city with a mild climate and many cultural and sporting events. Mountains, ocean and wine growing regions are easily accessible. CAS is located in the diverse inner suburb of Hawthorn with excellent public transport connections.

About you
The successful applicant will have:
A PhD in astrophysics or a related field
Experience in astronomical observations, data handling and the analysis of optical spectroscopy and/or imaging
Independent and collaborative research skills
Strong record of research achievement with high-quality publications

Preferred (but non-essential) qualities include:
Experience in the supervision of PhD students and the ability to work cooperatively in a team

How to apply
View the Position Description and apply via the "Apply here" link below. Applications must be submitted online. For technical support, email the Swinburne recruitment team ([email protected]).

Applications must comprise:
1. A cover letter which includes direct responses to the selection criteria and the names plus email addresses of three referees (2 pages max.);
2. A curriculum vitae, including publication list (preferably describing contributions to any non-lead-author publications); and
3. A statement describing prior research achievements and future research interests (2 pages max).

We will contact referees by email for short-listed applicants.