Postdoctoral position in Extragalactic Astrophysics at ISTA

Applicants are invited for a postdoctoral research position in extragalactic astrophysics in the group of Jorryt Matthee at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg near Vienna. The position is to work specifically using the NIRCam Wide Field Slitless Spectroscopy mode on JWST to study star formation in the early Universe and test the performance of photometric redshifts at cosmic noon relevant for Euclid calibration. The postdoc will explore synergies between the JWST and Euclid missions as part of the new research network DUNE (Dark UNiverse Explorations), which links cosmological research among ISTA and the Universities of Vienna and Innsbruck. The advertised position is for two years initially, with a possibility of an extension. The expected start date is 1 September 2026 or earlier.

Candidates with a strong background in observational astrophysics are encouraged to apply. Specific experience with extragalactic observations with JWST are considered a strong asset. Career development is considered a key component of a postdoctoral position and therefore developments of independent projects are stimulated. The position comes with sufficient travel budget for attendance of workshops and conferences. ISTA based researchers have access to local high performance computing resources. Austrian based scientists have access to ESO (e.g. VLT, ALMA) and ESA (e.g. HST, JWST) facilities. 

Required qualifications:
* A PhD in Astrophysics within the last six years
* Demonstrated excellence in research, with a track record of publications in astrophysics
* The ability to operate independently as well as part of a local and (inter)national team
* High-level experience with rest-frame optical and near-infrared spectroscopic data of galaxies

ISTA
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is a growing international institute for conducting frontier research in mathematics, computer science, and the life and physical sciences, located on a campus in the Viennese forest.

ISTA promotes a diverse and inclusive working environment and is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all applicants, free of discrimination. All employment decisions at ISTA are based on job requirements, qualifications, merit and organizational needs. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.