Postdoctoral Scholar in Extragalactic Astrophysics GOALS Team

IPAC, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. Applications are for invited for one Postdoctoral Scholar position in extragalactic astrophysics to work with the Great Observatories All-sky LIRG Survey (GOALS) team at IPAC.

You will work with Lee Armus and the GOALS team on the reduction and analysis of Director’s Discretionary Time Early Release Science (ERS) data from the James Webb Space Telescope, to be obtained under ERS program 1328. The JWST ERS data represents some of the earliest science that will be done with Webb. As part of ERS 1328, the team will obtain near and mid-infrared spectra and images of four nearby, Luminous Infrared Galaxies (LIRGs), critically analyze these data along with other multi-wavelength data from the ground and space, deliver enhanced data products and spectral fitting software to the Space Telescope Science Institute for release to the public, and publish the results in peer-reviewed journals. You will work with the GOALS team on all aspects of the ERS project, and lead the analysis of the infrared spectra. For more details, see https://www.stsci.edu/jwst/observing-programs/approved-ers-programs/program-1328. 

Position Details

- Lead the analysis of the JWST spectroscopic data.

- Compile and analyze ancillary data from ALMA, HST, Keck to JWST data.

- Test and help document spectral fitting software developed by ERS team.

- Participate in team meetings (virtual and in-person if appropriate under restrictions).

- Publish papers using JWST and other data and conduct independent research.

Skills and Qualifications

- By the starting date, a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics or equivalent, in an area relevant to the job details.

- Ability to work in an active team environment, including good written and verbal communication.

- Experience in the study of active and merging galaxies with ground and/or space-based telescopes.

- Experience with infrared imaging and spectroscopy, especially analysis of emission line galaxies. Reduction and calibration of infrared spectroscopic data is particularly relevant.

Required Documents

- Full resume

- Cover letter

- Publication list

- A summary of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages)

- Three professional references (to be submitted by the closing date)

Appointment Details

- Two-year appointment, contingent upon funding.

- Application should be sent to [email protected] by Jan 4, 2021.

- Preferred start is date is September 6, 2021.

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