CATA Postdoctoral Fellow for spectroscopic studies of SMBHs and hosts

The Supermassive Black Hole and Energetic phenomena scientific area of CATA seeks enthusiastic candidates to work alongside Drs. Franz Bauer, Ezequiel Treister, Roberto Assef, and Claudio Ricci on themes related to cosmic surveys and studies of AGN astrophysics with several current and planned facilities that we are involved in (e.g., SDSS-V, 4MOST, VLT-MOONS, Rubin-LSST). Our interests are wide-ranging: AGN structure and accretion physics; SMBH, cosmic AGN, and host galaxy demography and growth; AGN feedback via winds and jets. Of particular relevance is the 1.7M fiber-hr 4MOST ChANGES survey to probe >106  AGN across the southern sky, led by our group. Applicants with expertise in observational studies of SMBHs and/or their host galaxies, especially related to optical imaging and/or spectroscopic data analysis, machine learning, large datasets, and/or follow-up of Extreme Variability/Changing-State AGN and Tidal Disruption Events, are especially encouraged to apply. 

CATA is a large government-funded astronomical center in Chile, organized in 7 scientific areas ranging from cosmology and the large-scale structure of the Universe to Solar System research, including most fields in observational, theoretical, and computational astrophysics, as described here . CATA incorporates 12 member universities across six provinces – 40+ professors, 50+ postdoctoral researchers, and 70+ graduate students – providing a vibrant, dynamic, and productive international astronomical research environment.

The postdoctoral fellowship will be funded initially for two years with a one-year extension subject to a performance evaluation. Successful fellows will have access to the Chilean 10% time allocation on all telescopes in Chile, related membership in selected large surveys (e.g., LSST, SDSS-V), and various supercomputers and GPU clusters, as required by their projects.  In addition, CATA fellows will have access to CATA-provided administrative support and the opportunity to explore the varied and striking natural landscapes of Chile, from high deserts to lush rainforests.

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, or related field before the start date. Applicants should submit here the following materials as a single PDF file: brief cover letter; CV with exact/expected Ph.D. date; publication list; statement of past research and current interests/goals (max. 3 pages), optional 1-page technical skills statement; and names of three contacts for reference letters. Review of applications will begin October 2nd, 2023, and continue until the position is filled.

CATA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in the workforce. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.