Postdoctoral researcher positions at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (extragalactic observations)

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign cordially invites applications for two postdoctoral research fellow positions in the area of observational astronomy to start in Fall 2022.

The first position will be working with Prof. Xin Liu and Prof. Yue Shen on sub-kpc to kpc-scale dual AGNs, using data from Gaia, HST, and ground-based multi-wavelength imaging and spectroscopy. The second position will be working with Prof. Yue Shen on topics related to reverberation mapping (RM; primarily broad-line and dust RM), AGN variability and co-evolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes. Specifically, both postdoc fellows will work on proprietary imaging and spectroscopic data from the SDSS-V survey, the Dark Energy Survey, HST/JWST programs, as well as other dedicated observing programs centered on the science themes of these two positions. These projects will also extensively use data from public surveys (space- and ground-based) such as WISE and Gaia.

Candidates must have a PhD at the time of beginning this position. Candidates with expertise in reverberation mapping, AGN variability, and galaxy and AGN science in general, and related imaging/spectral/time-series analysis and coding proficiency will be considered favorably.

Each position is for an initial period of two years, with potential extensions depending on available funding. Applications should include a cover letter, a CV (including a list of publications), a statement of research accomplishments and plans (preferably within three pages), and compile a single PDF file to send directly to Prof. Shen by email ([email protected]). In addition, the applicant should arrange three reference letters to send to the same email address. Applications received before Dec 31, 2021 will receive full consideration. If you are interested in both positions, a single application would suffice. Please feel free to indicate your preference of the positions in the cover letter.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify (https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf) to verify employment eligibility (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf). The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment (https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899).