Laureate Postdoctoral Research Associate in Galaxy Spectral Modeling

A five year senior postdoctoral research position is available at Swinburne University of Technology to work with Prof. Karl Glazebrook on galaxies in the early (z>4) Universe. This position is funded as part of Prof. Glazebrook’s Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship, this is a $4M project whose goal is to understand the formation of the first massive galaxies in the Universe using the forthcoming James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and supporting ground and space-based surveys. They will be joining a team of up to 9 scientists working on the Laureate project.

About Swinburne
Swinburne is a progressive university that aims to increase Australia’s capacity in science, technology and innovation as the drivers of modern, internationalised economies and workplaces. Our university is focused on high-impact global research, high-quality teaching and active engagement with both industry and the community. Swinburne houses an active astronomy group, and is one of Australia's largest astronomy centres. Swinburne astronomers have institutional access to W.M. Keck telescopes in Hawaii, and regularly obtain observing time on the AAT, ESO telescopes, HST, Magellan, ATCA and Parkes telescopes. The Centre has OzSTAR, the Australian GPU Supercomputer for Theoretical Astrophysics, available in-house, as well as access to state-of-the-art 3D visualisation facilities.

About the job
We are looking for a qualified candidate to develop advanced spectral modelling tools for the interpretation of spectra of the first galaxies, with an emphasis on advanced stellar population modelling and the synthesis of this with codes for modelling nebulae emission, dust emission/absorption, and other sources of non-stellar emission. The team will develop a pipeline and community tools for processing and interpreting the spectra of thousands of galaxies that JWST will target.

About you
The position can be at Level B or C (Lecturer or Senior Lecturer) depending on prior experience. The appointment will be for 5 years, with a one year probationary period, starting in Aug 2019, and will be within the Centre for Astrophysics & Supercomputing (CAS) one of Australia’s leading astronomical research centres. CAS astronomers have institutional access to the W.M. Keck telescopes in Hawaii, and regularly obtain observing time on the AAT, ESO telescopes, HST, Magellan, ATCA and Parkes telescopes. The Centre has OzSTAR, the Australian Supercomputer for Theoretical Astrophysics Research, available in-house, as well as access to state-of-the-art 3D visualisation facilities.

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• A PhD in astronomy or astrophysics (submitted at time of appointment)

• A strong track record of research in astronomy as demonstrated by publication

• Experience with developing stellar population spectral modeling codes.

• Proficient interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work within a diverse team.

A full list of the selection criteria is available within the position description – please respond to the criteria relevant to your level.

Benefits
Swinburne values its diverse work environment and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and cultural diversity. The University has been recognised as a Workplace Employer of Choice for gender equality for the seventh year. Swinburne recognises the importance of providing career development, and offers promotion opportunities for both continuing and fixed-term staff. The University also offers a range of employee benefits including maternity and partner leave, a 17% employer superannuation contribution, 4 weeks’ annual leave and discounted health insurance. Swinburne supports a flexible working environment; subject to visa restrictions, this position is available either full-or part-time.
Swinburne University of Technology is a Child Safe Organisation and as part of this commitment, all appointments are subject to a valid Working with Children Check.
More information: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/hr/swin/benefits/index.htm

Application process
To view the position description or to start an application click on apply at the bottom of this page and submit a resume, cover letter and response to the Key Selection Criteria, as listed in the Position Description.

Shortlisting for this role will occur in early February 2019, and at that time shortlisted candidates will be asked for a Letter of Recommendation prior to interview. Our anticipated start date for this role will be August 2019.

Applications close at 5pm Wednesday 30th January 2019 (AEST)