Postdoctoral Researcher in Observational Astronomy with JWST

Applications are invited for a two-year postdoctoral research associate position in observational astronomy with Dr. Allison Kirkpatrick at the University of Kansas beginning as early as May 1, 2024 (start date is negotiable). Dr. Kirkpatrick is the PI of a cycle 2 JWST proposal that will take 67 hours of MIRI observations in the Extended Groth Strip (“MEGA Mass Assembly at Cosmic Noon: MIRI EGS Galaxy and AGN Survey”, PID: 3794). Observations are scheduled for March 2024. This position is for a postdoctoral researcher to reduce observations, create science-ready images, and create a photometric catalog. Preference will be given to those candidates with previous experience reducing JWST observations. The postdoc will be encouraged to work on their own research using the MIRI observations. Dr. Kirkpatrick is also a member of the CEERS team (https://ceers.github.io/index.html ) which has NIRCam and NIRSpec observations of the EGS field. The MEGA team has previous experience reducing MIRI images, and the postdoc will be encouraged to collaborate with team experts to produce the best results.

This position will entail 50% of the time spent on JWST MIRI data reductions and analysis, 40% for the postdoc’s own research projects, and 10% allocated for supervising students. Dr. Kirkpatrick runs a vibrant research group with a large cohort of undergraduate researchers. The postdoc will be encouraged to mentor and supervise a few undergraduates. Dr. Kirkpatrick’s research focuses on understanding the co-evolution of supermassive black holes and their host galaxies at z=1-3, and this will be her primary use of the CEERS MIRI data. The postdoc, however, is encouraged to pursue any research project that will use this rich data set.

Pay is $60,000/year with benefits. Money is available to offset moving costs and for the purchase of a new computer. A remote appointment is also a possibility, if needed. Dr. Kirkpatrick is strongly committed to ensuring equitable and inclusive hiring and mentoring practices and will work with the successful applicant to meet their needs.

Applications should consist of a cover letter, 2-3 page statement of past research experience and future research plans, and a CV. The cover letter should address technical skills, any past mentoring experience, interest in mentoring students, and commitment to equity and inclusion efforts. Letters of recommendation will only be solicited once a long list has been made.

Lawrence is an ideal small college town, with lots of restaurants, bars, shops, and outdoor activities. Lawrence is a mere 45 minutes from Kansas City.

Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics by date of appointment.

For more information and to apply go to https://employment.ku.edu/staff/26649BR . Initial review of applications will begin on January 31, 2024 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants has been identified. Inquiries can be made by email to Prof. Allison Kirkpatrick ([email protected] ).

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