Post Title: Post-doctoral Research Fellow – Dwarf galaxies in deep-wide surveys
SBU/Department: School of Physics Engineering and Computer Science / Department of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics / Centre for Astrophysics Research (CAR)
FTE: 1.0 (37 hours per week) (Part-time working will be considered)
Duration of Contract: Fixed term (36 months)
Salary: UH7 £37,099 to £44,263 pa by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience
Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of the University between Christmas and New Year
Location: College Lane campus, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Main duties and responsibilities
Applications are invited for a 36-month postdoctoral position, to lead and publish original scientific investigations in the area of galaxy formation and evolution. A focus will be on harnessing the unprecedented area, depth and statistics afforded by new observational surveys to perform some of the first statistical studies of dwarf galaxies outside the local neighbourhood.
The successful applicant will combine data from new deep-wide surveys – e.g. the Hyper Suprime-Cam surveys and the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) – with state-of-the-art cosmological hydro-dynamical simulations. You will work with Professor Sugata Kaviraj and his group. Group members have LSST data rights and hold several leadership roles within LSST, including in pipeline development. The group is heavily involved in cosmological simulations (e.g. Horizon-AGN and NewHorizon) and in developing machine-learning techniques for the analysis of large surveys.
You must also regularly contribute to a positive and productive working atmosphere within the Centre for Astrophysics Research, by contributing to the various meetings, seminars, talks and journal clubs that make CAR (and UH in general) a vibrant and dynamic place to work.
The post – one of 8 new STFC-funded postdoctoral positions awarded to CAR as a result of the STFC Astronomy Grants scheme (2023) – is available from 01 April 2024 and the successful candidate will ideally be in post as soon as possible, and no later than 01 October 2024.
Skill and experience required
You will have a track record of research in a relevant area of expertise in observational or theoretical astrophysics. You will also have a record of submitting/publishing scientific research in leading astronomical journals, presenting your work at scientific conferences, workshops or seminars and experience of scientific programming.
Qualifications required
Minimum of a first degree (or equivalent qualification), or higher qualification in a relevant discipline as well as a PhD (or equivalent qualification) or must have been approved for the award, or equivalent experience.
Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.
An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: For more information or to discuss the post, please contact Professor Sugata Kaviraj (s.kaviraj@herts.ac.uk)
Closing Date: 04 February 2024
Interview Date: Week commencing 19 February 2024 (TBC)
Reference Number: 056020
Date advert placed: 20 December 2023
Applications should be submitted online via the recruitment website and should be accompanied by PDF versions of a CV, a list of publications, and a personal statement/cover letter (maximum two sides of A4 paper) explaining your motivation for applying, summarizing your research interests and what you would bring to the position (in reference to the Person Specification). Finally, you must also include the contact details of two referees willing to write on your behalf.
The Astrophysics group is part of the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics, and is a thriving research group of ~60 academic staff, research fellows and postgraduate students. The department takes pride in the diversity of its staff and holds both an IoP Juno Champion and an Athena-Swan Silver award. We encourage applications from all individuals meeting our essential criteria, irrespective of gender or membership of under-represented groups. The UH vision is to transform lives and UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. UH offers a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave and discounted Sports Village memberships, personal and professional development, a flexible location policy, and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts
A standard package of benefits will be provided, including funding for travel and equipment expenses.
Apply online at https://www.jobs.herts.ac.uk/go/056020
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