Galaxy Formation and Evolution with JWST Guaranteed Time Observations

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in observational studies of galaxy formation and evolution using our JWST Guaranteed Time Observer (GTO) data and related programs. We are particularly interested in candidates with interests in gravitational lensing, the first galaxies, cosmic reionization, or the stellar populations and formation histories of distant galaxies; however all researchers with skills and interests relevant to our program are encouraged to apply. 

Within the first year of JWST science operations, the 200-hour GTO program “CANUCS” will use JWST’s NIRISS instrument to carry out a spatially-resolved slitless grism survey of thousands of galaxies behind five massive z~0.5 lensing clusters. The NIRISS data will be complemented by extensive NIRCam imaging and subsequent multi-slit spectroscopic follow-up with NIRSpec. The data will allow studies of galaxies from the Epoch of Reionization, through the peak of cosmic star formation at z~2, and to lower redshifts. Additionally, we will use NIRCam to take parallel observations of five offset fields in 14 medium-band filters, giving a bonus complementary imaging dataset of exquisite depth and resolution. For more information on the CANUCS GTO program see http://www.stsci.edu/jwst/phase2-public/1208.pdf

The postdoctoral fellow will be located at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, a major centre on the Atlantic coast of Canada that’s close to nature and rich in history and culture. They will work within Dr. Marcin Sawicki’s research group (https://www.ap.smu.ca/~sawicki), which will consist of 4 postdoctoral fellows and several graduate students. They will also interact closely with the tight-knit CANUCS team located throughout Canada and beyond.

The immediate focus of the position will be on the once-in-a-career JWST GTO project, but the fellow will also contribute towards other projects such as the multi-wavelength Euclid Deep Field North dataset we are now assembling. The fellow will be eligible to apply for Canadian observing time on JWST, Gemini, CFHT, and ALMA, and will have access to High Performance Computing resources through ACENET and Compute Canada.

The appointment is expected to start on or before 1 September 2022, and will be for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified persons, including women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, and people with disabilities. If relevant, applicants are encouraged to indicate causes of delays in their past research activity (e.g., parental leave, illness, etc.). We appreciate and welcome diversity and hire on the basis of merit.

All application materials should be submitted by 7 January 2022 via email to [email protected]. Applications should consist of a CV, a statement of research interests and accomplishments, and a cover letter, all in pdf format. Applicants should also arrange for three referees to send reference letters directly to the same address by the same date.