Postdoctoral research position in Radio Astronomy at Caltech

The radio astronomy group at the California Institute of Technology is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to work with the Deep Synoptic Array project, collaborating with Gregg Hallinan and Vikram Ravi.

The Deep Synoptic Array (DSA) will be an array of 110 small radio dishes, built to deliver over a hundred Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) localized to a few arcseconds during each year of operations. Currently under construction at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO), and fully funded by the NSF Mid-Scale Innovations Program, the DSA will commence science operations in 2020.

The successful applicant will lead aspects of the construction, commissioning, and early science of the DSA. The focus of the position will be on the development of real-time software for the detection and localization of FRBs. Experience with the analysis and calibration of radio-interferometer data, and/or pulsar- or FRB-search data, is essential. A record of relevant software development beyond the use of standard astronomical data-analysis packages and tasks (e.g., CASA, MIRIAD) is preferred. The ability to work within and contribute to both the scientific and technical groups at Caltech/OVRO is also desirable. The postdoc will have the opportunity to co-mentor students within the DSA group, and to pursue collaborative and/or independent research.

Applicants should send a CV, publications list, and a three-page research statement to [email protected]. All documents should be merged into a single PDF with the filename LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_dsa-job-2019.pdf. Applicants should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be confidentially submitted to the same address with the filename LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME-REFEREELASTNAME.pdf. The research statement must (a) directly address the applicant’s suitability for this position via the position description and the selection criteria, and (b) include details of the applicant’s research and technical experience and interests. This position is available immediately for an initial two-year appointment, with an extension for a third year possible assuming satisfactory performance. A competitive salary will be offered commensurate with experience.

Applications received before November 30, 2018, will be fully considered. Please contact Vikram Ravi ([email protected]) and Gregg Hallinan ([email protected]) with any questions regarding this position.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Please see https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf to read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).