Postdoctoral Research Fellow position on DESI

The Cosmology and Astrophysics group at Southern Methodist University (SMU) has an immediate opening for an outstanding postdoctoral research fellow with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI).

The successful applicant will carry out original research and play an important role in the analysis of DESI data.  Opportunities to make substantial original contributions are high.  This is an exciting time as DESI has a broad and exciting menu of measurements that will collectively provide the most sensitive probe of the expansion history of the universe over the redshift range 0<z<3.5.  She or he will also take a leading role in the deployment of DESI’s fast spectroscopic data reduction system.

DESI is a next generation dark energy spectroscopic survey that will utilize robotically positioned fibers at the Mayall 4 m at Kitt Peak National Observatory.  Ten new, fiber-fed, 3-arm spectrographs will cover 360 nm to 980 nm for 5000 targets per exposure.  Over 5 years, more than 30 million galaxy spectra will be obtained for precise baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) and a host of other astrophysical and cosmological measurements.  The sensitivity of DESI relies on optimal performance of the spectrographs, fiber systems and a dynamic exposure time calculation.  The fast spectroscopic reductions, a substantial SMU responsibility, are necessary to ensure this performance.

The Cosmology/Astrophysics group at SMU is actively engaged in science analysis preparations, including observational and calibration impacts on BAO measurements from emission line galaxies.  The group is also involved in fast spectroscopic simulations and use of supernovae for cosmology.  The wider SMU particle/astrophysics group pursues a diverse and vibrant research program including cosmology and astrophysics (DESI, ROTSE, SuperCDMS), and experimental and theoretical particle physics (ATLAS, D0, NOvA, CTEQ).

We seek a highly motivated applicant who has obtained, or is about to obtain, a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics or related fields.  Experience with cosmology, galactic astronomy or spectroscopy is highly valued.  Software development experience is a plus.  The start date is negotiable and can occur promptly.  The initial appointment is for 2 years with the possibility for a third year.

For further information, contact Prof. Robert Kehoe ([email protected]).  Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a list of publications resulting from significant contributions, a description of research interests and skills, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to Lacey Breaux at [email protected].  The position will remain open until filled, however applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all materials by August 20, 2017 for full consideration.

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