Postdoctoral Research Associate: Astronomy (MOONS)

The astronomy group at Texas A&M University is seeking to fill one or more postdoctoral researcher positions to work on the MOONS (Multi-Object Optical and Near-infrared Spectrograph) GTO Extragalactic Survey (MOONRISE).  MOONS is an infrared multi-fiber spectrograph to be mounted on the 8-meter Very Large Telescope at the European Southern Observatory.  It employs 1000 fibers with individual robotic positioners, and both low- and high-resolution simultaneous spectral coverage across the 0.64-1.8 μm wavelength range.  Texas A&M University has joined the MOONS consortium as a scientific partner and will have full access to the data from two guaranteed time surveys, the MOONRISE extragalactic survey (200 nights), and a survey of the Milky Way and its satellites (100 nights).

Successful applicants for these positions will collaborate in the MOONRISE scientific programs, which aim to observe an infrared magnitude selected sample of hundreds of thousands of galaxies, centered on the cosmic noon redshift range (z = 1 – 2.5), with sub-projects focused on emission-line emitting galaxies, massive red galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and other objects, to trace the evolution of galaxies with large robust samples, and with wide-field coverage to probe the dependencies of these properties on galaxy environment.  The postdocs will collaborate with other members of the TAMU group (including R. Kennicutt, J. Marshall, C. Papovich, K. Smith, J. Spilker, L. Strigari, J. Walsh) and with an international collaboration of scientists from the (mainly European) MOONS partners.

Applicants for this position will be considered as part of the broader advertisement for TAMU astronomy postdocs.  Separate applications are not necessary, but those interested in the MOONS opportunity should state this in their cover letter and address their interest in MOONS in their research statement.  These are in-person positions located in College Station, Texas.  Ability to work legally in the United States is required.

All applications must be submitted by uploading a single pdf containing a cover letter indicating interest in the MOONS postdoc positions, CV, full publication list, brief statement of research interests to https://jobs.tamu.edu for position R-067989 Postdoctoral Research Associate (ASTR).  Every applicant will be contacted to submit reference requests through Xref.  Application review will begin on January 15, 2024.