Research Fellow in Observational Astronomy

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This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of researchers at the University of Southampton, working towards delivering new science with the state-of-the-art Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space Time (LSST) and the Euclid mission. These are flagship projects for the international astronomy community over the next decade, which together address the entire breadth of astronomy research. LSST will be the largest and most comprehensive ground-based optical survey ever undertaken, delivering a petabyte scale dataset of billions of astronomical objects.  The recently launched Euclid space satellite is providing exquisite spatial resolution imaging in the optical and near infrared together with spectroscopy for a subset of sources over an unprecedented sky area. Together, these projects open up vast new discovery space.  

You will work within large research teams led by Dr. Manda Banerji and Prof. Mark Sullivan but interact widely with the rest of the Astronomy Group and the LSST and Euclid international collaborations. You will be responsible for developing a new 'list-driven' photometry software pipeline that enables the production of a combined Rubin+Euclid dataset for scientific exploitation. There will be opportunities to explore the application of the image processing tools developed to areas outside astronomy e.g. in medical imaging and near Earth observations.

To be successful you will have a PhD* in Astronomy, Astrophysics or a closely related field. Experience with software development for astronomy, high-performance computing and/or large astronomical surveys and databases will be considered an asset.

In return we offer you a welcoming and inclusive research environment and encourage those from under-represented groups in Physics and Astronomy to apply.  We are strongly  committed to diversity in both the academic and student population, and in recognition we renewed our Athena SWAN Silver award in 2023 and were awareded the Institute of Physics Project Juno Champion status in 2019. Physics and Astronomy gives full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly, including part-time, and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy**, and onsite childcare facilities. For further information please visit https://www.phys.soton.ac.uk/EqualityandDiversity

The post is initially available for 2 years due to funding restrictions but with good prospects for extension. The University offers an attractive benefits package. 

Please  supply a CV and details of two referees by the application deadline. 

Informal enquiries about the position are very welcome and can be directed to Dr. Manda Banerji (E-mail: [email protected] ).

*Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD.   Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

**subject to qualifying criteria

We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. Having a diverse workforce, inclusive of people of all ages and beliefs, from different racial backgrounds, educational and social backgrounds opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society. We welcome applicants that value diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity. 

Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated on the job.