Post Doctoral Research Associate

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community. NOIRLab operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with approximately 400 employees at facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Hawai’i, and Chile.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will carry out scientific investigation of galaxy formation and evolution using JWST spectroscopy of galaxies in the early universe.  This position is part of the  the team for CAPERS, the CANDELS-Area Prism Epoch of Reionization Survey, a JWST Cycle 3 Treasury Program, which will use JWST’s NIRSpec to obtain spectra of roughly 10,000 galaxies out to the highest accessible redshifts, z > 10.  The postdoc will work with astronomer Mark Dickinson, Principal Investigator of CAPERS, and within a substantial US and international research team. The postdoc may also collaborate on other galaxy evolution projects using JWST and other observatories.

The postdoc will be a core member of the CAPERS NIRSpec data reduction team and is expected to lead original research using CAPERS data and to participate in collaborative science with other team members

Essential Functions:

• Observation planning for JWST NIRSpec multi-object spectroscopy
• NIRSpec data reduction and calibration
• Spectroscopic data analysis and redshift measurement
• Production, documentation and delivery of public science data products
• Research on galaxy formation and evolution and/or large scale structure
• Planning and proposals for complementary or follow-up observing programs

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• A recent Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics (or the expectation that they will receive the degree prior to starting their appointment).
• Research experience in topics such as galaxy evolution, galaxy clustering and large scale structure, and/or active galactic nuclei.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research, collaborating closely with colleagues working both locally and remotely.
• Experience with spectroscopic observations, data reduction, and data analysis
• Familiarity with scientific Python and collaborative development

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Previous experience with JWST NIRSpec data

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk; or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.

Salary Range: $60,550 - $67,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/ 

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by June 1, 2024.

• Please submit a cover letter, a CV or resume including a list of publications, and a short description of past and present research experience. PDF files are preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format:  LastnameDocname.
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.