CAASTRO Postdoctoral Research Associate/Research Fellow in Galaxy Evolution and Integral Field Spectroscopy

CAASTRO POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE/RESEARCH FELLOW IN GALAXY EVOLUTION AND INTEGRAL FIELD SPECTROSCOPY

ARC CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR ALL-SKY ASTROPHYSICS
SCHOOL OF PHYSICS
REFERENCE NO. 1338/0812

The ARC Centre of Excellence for All-sky Astrophysics ("CAASTRO") aims to establish Australia as a world-leader in wide-field optical and radio astronomy. CAASTRO is answering fundamental questions about the nature of the Universe, is developing innovative ways of processing enormous data sets, and is enabling a diverse set of opportunities for students and early career researchers. CAASTRO is a research partnership between the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin University and the University of Western Australia, the latter two operating as the joint venture, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR).CAASTRO is also collaborating closely with the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO), CSIRO, and other Australian and international partners. CAASTRO supports the activities of over 100 scientific, technical and administrative staff plus associated students.

CAASTRO invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in galaxy evolution studies using integral field spectroscopy, to be based in the Sydney Institute for Astronomy (SIfA) within the School of Physics at the University of Sydney. You will work with Associate Professor Scott Croom on the development and exploitation of a major new spatially resolved spectroscopic galaxy survey. This project is starting in late 2012 and aims to target several thousand galaxies using the recently commissioned Sydney-AAO multi-object integral field spectrograph (SAMI) on the 4m Anglo-Australian Telescope. Applicants should have expertise in spatially resolved spectroscopic analysis. Experience in analysing or modelling galaxy kinematics will be an advantage. Appropriately qualified candidates will be given the opportunity to simultaneously pursue a self-directed research program in related areas.

The position will be for two years, subject to completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. A third year may be available, subject to funding and progress. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of appointment. CAASTRO supports a flexible working environment; for Australian citizens or permanent residents, this opportunity may be available as either a full-time or part-time position. Some assistance towards relocation expenses and visa sponsorship will be available for the successful appointee if required and the level of appointment will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

For more information on this opportunity and other positions within CAASTRO, see www.caastro.org/Jobs.

Remuneration package: The appointment will be at academic level A or B, depending on experience. The salary will be up to approx. $99K p.a. (level A) or $104K p.a. (level B), including leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation.

How to apply
All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. To be considered applicants must respond to the online selection criteria. The full set of selection criteria can be downloaded from the link at the bottom of this advert. Please note that resumes need to include a list of publications and contact details of three referees from a range of sources. Applicants should also include a statement of research interests. Initial enquiries may be directed to Fabrice Noël on fabrice.noel@sydney.edu.au. For specific enquiries please contact Associate Professor Scott Croom on scroom@physics.usyd.edu.au.

CLOSING DATE: 30 November 2012 (11:30pm Sydney time).

The University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged as they are under represented in this field.