Postdoctoral Fellowships in Astronomy, University of Science and Technology of China

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)   invites applications for a number of postdoctoral positions to start in the fall of 2023. Successful applicants are expected to specialize in one of the following domains: galaxy formation and evolution, active galactic nuclei, time-domain astronomy, cosmology, large-scale structure of the universe, gravitational waves, star formation and the interstellar medium, high-energy and particle astrophysics, extrasolar planets and astronomical instrumentation.

USTC is a premier astronomical institution of China (tied first in the current astronomy ranking by the Ministry of Education of China), and is one of the institutions that initiated modern astrophysical research in this country. Among the few top-ranked Chinese universities, USTC is committed to building world-class academics and research. Hefei, the home of USTC and a sub-center city of the Yangtze River Delta city region, is arguably the most rapidly growing city in China, and was identified by The Economist in 2012 as the world No.1 fastest growing metropolitan economy. Hefei is now a hub of high-speed railways, with a solid transportation at service.

Notably, The 2.5-meter Wide Field Survey Telescope (WFST) is under construction at USTC. Once commissioned, WFST will become a world-class survey facility on the northern hemisphere that will survey up to 6000 square degrees in multiple colors per night, reaching 23rd magnitude with high-precision photometry and astrometry. WFST will serve as an ideal platform for new postdoctoral researchers with interests in time-domain astronomy, solar system objects, near-field cosmology, and many other frontiers.

Meanwhile, USTC is deeply involved in the Ali CMB Polarization Telescope (AliCPT) in every aspect (hardware development, theoretical research and data analysis). The hardware development group is rapidly growing, conducting research on Transition Edge Sensor (TES), Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector (MKID), Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID), and on related astronomical instrumentation. The instrumentation group has access to the Microelectronic processing platform (USTC Center for Micro-scale and Nano-scale Research and Fabrication) and the Extreme Low Temperature Test System.

Successful candidates will receive an annual salary of 200,000 RMB at minimum, up to around 400,000 RMB, though the high-end salary hinges on successful applications for the CAS Special Research Assistantship, the USTC Micius Research Fellowship or the PIFI Fellowship (CAS President's International Fellowship Initiative). The university also provides generous benefits on medical insurance and children daycare. All successful applicants are encouraged to apply for the USTC Youth Innovation Research Fund. Successful applicants will work with one or more of the faculty members in the Department of Astronomy . Applicants should contact the relevant faculty directly to learn more about the stipend, the research duties and other requirements.

Applicants of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. A Ph.D. degree in astronomy, physics or a related discipline is a prerequisite for commencing the position. The initial appointment is two years, but may be extended to up to 6 additional years (with the rank promoted to non-tenure Research Associate Professor) contingent on performance and funding. Tenure promotion to associate or full professor is possible for outstanding candidates.

To apply, please prepare a CV/resume, a list of publications, a statement of research interests, and arrange for at least three letters of reference. These documents are to be sent to Dr. Hong-Xin Zhang by email (hzhang18@ustc.edu.cn ) with the subject "USTC Postdoc Application/Your Name". The subject of the email for submitting reference letters should read "USTC Reference Letter/Your Name". The positions remain open until filled, but for full consideration, all application documents are expected to arrive by Mar 13, 2023. Further inquiries are also directed to Dr. Hong-Xin Zhang via the email above.