Kavli IPMU invites applications for a postdoctoral position in observational astronomy specializing in large-scale spectroscopic surveys. 

This position is focused especially on the 130-night Subaru Strategic Program (SSP) Galaxy Evolution survey that will be carried out on the upcoming Subaru Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS), which will be the most powerful multiplexed optical-NIR spectrograph in the world when it begins science operations in early 2025. This position is funded by an external grant from the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) as part of the program "Investigating the Galaxy-Cosmic Web Connection with Subaru PFS" (PI: Khee-Gan Lee). 

The term is for 3 years starting from the date of appointment; we particularly seek individuals who can begin by the fall of 2024 prior to the start of PFS survey operations in early 2025. Specific responsibilities involve helping with survey design and early data validation for the PFS-SSP GE survey, while science opportunities involve working with Khee-Gan Lee and John Silverman on 1.5<z<4 galaxy/AGN properties in context of the cosmic web using proprietary PFS data. 

Candidates must have a Ph.D in astronomy/astrophysics or a related field, while experience in either (i) reducing/analyzing extragalactic spectroscopic data sets (including absorption line data), or (ii) density reconstruction/field-level inference techniques, would be advantageous but not an absolute requirement. Candidates will also be encouraged to explore synergies with machine-learning and AI in collaboration with members of the Center for Data-Driven Discovery (CD3) at IPMU, but no prior ML experience is expected.

 We encourage all candidates to apply by April 14, 2024. Applicants should submit curriculum vitae (with email address and citizenship), a 3-4 page statement of research interests, and a list of publications. Applicants should also ensure that at least three letters of reference are submitted on their behalf.

They should be uploaded at Application Form. 

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Email inquiries regarding the application process may be sent to academicjob-inquiry@ipmu.jp.

The Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU), part of The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, aims to discover the fundamental laws of nature and understand the universe through the synergistic perspectives of mathematics, theoretical and experimental physics, astronomy, and statistics. Established in October 2007, Kavli IPMU is an international research institute with English as its official language. Over half of its full-time scientific members are international. We are committed to building a diverse, highly interactive community. We strongly encourage applications from women and international scholars.