Postdoctoral Fellow - Galaxy Evolution at High Redshift at The University of Texas at Austin

The Astronomy Department at The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow to work with Prof. Steven Finkelstein on observational galaxy evolution at high redshift. Applicants with experience in this field, including but not limited to processing and analyzing imaging and spectroscopic survey data and spectral energy distribution fitting, are particularly encouraged to apply, as are applicants with a desire to assist in the mentoring of graduate students and play a role in our departmental community. The University of Texas at Austin is an EEO/AA employer, and we particularly encourage women and members of underrepresented groups to apply.

The primary responsibilities are to use data from the Hobby Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX; www.hetdex.org) and related programs with the VIRUS instrument to study galaxy evolution. From 2017-2022, HETDEX will discover one million galaxies at 2<z<3.5 via Lyman-alpha emission, and there are a variety of galaxy evolution studies the applicant can take part in, including securing follow-up observations. This postdoc can also become involved with a UT-led JWST early release science survey, and they will be encouraged to use up to 50% of their time to lead additional research programs of mutual interest with HETDEX, JWST, or related datasets.

UT Austin has a large astronomy department with expertise in all areas, and is committed to an equitable and inclusive environment. UT Austin postdocs have access to the McDonald Observatory facilities, including the 10m HET and 2.7m Smith telescopes, and access to high-performance computing resources within the Texas Advanced Computing Center. Austin is a vibrant city with an active music, restaurant and cultural scene, and excellent weather allowing year-round outdoor activities.

By the anticipated starting date of September 2020 (or earlier), applicants should have obtained a Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics. The appointment is for a period of three years based on satisfactory performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience. UT has an excellent benefits program (www.utexas.edu/hr/current/insurance).

Applicants should submit a CV, list of publications, statement of current and future research interests, and a list of three people who can be contacted at a later time for letters of reference. Complete applications received by December 6th, 2019 will receive full consideration. Applications should be sent as a single PDF to: [email protected], with the subject “Postdoc Position — YOUR NAME”.