Northwestern University, CIERA - Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics

826 22555
Position ID:Northwestern-CIERA-POSTDOCOBSERVATION [#22555]
Position Title: Postdoctoral Associate Positions in Observational Astronomy & Astrophysics
Position Type:Postdoctoral
Position Location:Evanston, Illinois 60201, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Astrophysics / Observational
Appl Deadline:2022/11/22 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2022/09/01, finished 2023/03/30, listed until 2022/12/31)
Position Description:   Remote  

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

* this map is a best-effort approximation. Open in Google Maps directly.

Northwestern University expects to offer postdoctoral associate positions in observational astronomy and astrophysics starting in fall 2023.

These positions will be part of the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern. Successful applicants will benefit from interaction with a broad interdisciplinary group of researchers and will be immersed in a diverse and dynamic intellectual environment (learn more about CIERA’s programs and activities). Northwestern has institutional access to several mid- and large-scale optical/IR ground-based telescope facilities, including Keck, MMT, Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO), and the forthcoming La Silla Southern Sky Survey (LS4) and SEDMv2 (an ultra-low resolution IFU spectrograph for transient classification). Postdoctoral researchers can apply for nights through CIERA’s internal time allocation process (see https://sites.northwestern.edu/cieraobserving/ for more information). CIERA researchers have exclusive access to high-performance-computing resources, as well the services of a dedicated Computational Specialist (see https://ciera.northwestern.edu/high-performance-computing/ for more information).

Of particular interest this year are candidates to work with:

— Prof. Wen-fai Fong in time-domain astrophysics, including the study of fast radio bursts, EM counterparts to gravitational wave sources, short gamma-ray bursts, and their host galaxy environments. The successful candidate will lead and engage in observations across the electromagnetic spectrum (including their reduction, analysis, and modeling) and participate in the SAGUARO (GW) and/or F4 (FRB) collaborations.

— Prof. Adam Miller in time-domain astronomy, including the study of Type Ia supernovae, astrophysical transients, variable stars, and the classification of each of these phenomena via machine learning. The successful candidate(s) will lead and participate in observations of these sources, while also having access to the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) and La Silla Southern Sky Survey (LS4) time-domain surveys. The group is also focused on building tools that can be applied to the Vera C. Rubin Observatory/LSST. Applicants with previous experience in UV/optical/IR spectroscopy and imaging (from space or from the ground) and/or building machine learning models are especially encouraged to apply. The Miller group offers opportunities to work on citizen science projects and maintains strong interdisciplinary connections, which will be available to the successful applicant.

— Prof. Lena Murchikova on the theory and observations of the Galactic Center black hole Sagittarius A*

— Prof. Allison Strom on high-redshift extragalactic observations, including deep JWST/NIRSpec spectra of z~2-3 galaxies from the CECILIA program and a large z~1 galaxy evolution survey that will be conducted with the Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS) on the Subaru Telescope beginning in 2024. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to lead the analysis and interpretation of novel datasets, plan and conduct follow-up observations, and develop new tools for studying galaxy chemistry. Applicants with previous experience in emission line spectroscopy and/or photoionization modeling are especially welcome.

Please submit applications electronically. Applications should include a cover letter (stating your interest in and relevant experience/skills for the position), a CV (including a list of publications with the most important 1 to 3 publications indicated with an asterisk), a three-page statement of research accomplishments and plans, and arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be uploaded to Academic Jobs Online. All questions should be sent by email to CIERA-Jobs@northwestern.edu. Applications received by November 22, 2022 will receive full consideration. Later applications will be considered until all positions are filled.

Please state that you are applying for an Observational Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Associate position in your cover letter. If you wish to simultaneously apply for a CIERA Postdoctoral Fellowship position, submit a single copy of your application materials and specify all positions in your cover letter. Applicants must complete their Ph.D. requirements prior to appointment.

CIERA is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community for everyone. Every person connected to CIERA, including its visitors, upholds our shared values by seeking diverse perspectives and deliberately working to increase access and equity of people from marginalized groups. We recognize that true excellence only comes from the meaningful integration of all perspectives in our community and culture. CIERA also participates with University-wide diversity & inclusion efforts: Northwestern’s Mission and Vision, Northwestern’s Office of Equity.

Northwestern University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and does not discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected class. Individuals from all diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.  For more information, please see the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment at https://www.northwestern.edu/equity/documents/discrimination-harassment-policy-resources-procedures-final.pdf

Included Benefits: http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
http://ciera.northwestern.edu/
email address
 
CIERA
Northwestern University
1800 Sherman Avenue
Floor 8
Evanston, IL 60201