Postdoctoral Research Associate at UIUC Astronomy

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to work on the software infrastructure for the SDSS-V survey (2020-2025). The primary responsibilities include the development and maintenance of software reduction pipelines for the multi-object optical spectroscopy of SDSS-V, day-to-day coordination with mountain operations (remote), data processing, and science teams. The researcher is encouraged to perform their own science analysis using SDSS-V data, depending on the progress and status of the infrastructure work. The bulk of the work will be performed at UIUC, with on-site visits at SDSS affiliated observatories and other institutions. The research associate will work closely with the SDSS science and infrastructure teams, including Prof. Yue Shen at UIUC.

SDSS-V is the latest generation of Sloan Digital Sky Surveys that is performing all-sky, multi-object and multi-epoch optical and near-IR spectroscopy, as well as optical integral field spectroscopy from the Apache Point Observatory (New Mexico) and the Las Campanas Observatory (Chile). It will survey Milky Way stars and distant quasars with multi-object optical and near-IR spectroscopy, and perform integral field spectroscopy of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. Following significant contributions to SDSS-V infrastructure (as expected) and related efforts, the postdoctoral research associate will become eligible for consideration for SDSS-V architect status, e.g., with broad co-authorship options on SDSS-V collaboration science papers.

A PhD in astronomy or related fields is required for this position. The applicant must be familiar with python and IDL and can program efficiently. Previous experience with pipeline work for surveys and/or general optical spectroscopy is highly desirable.

The initial appointment is for 3 years, subject to annual review and renewals, and with further possible extensions beyond the initial period depending on funding. The likely start date will be about Fall 2021 (exact date negotiable), and the search will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants should submit a single PDF file that includes the cover letter, a CV including a list of publications, a brief (1-2 pages) statement of past research experience, and names/contact information for three references (reference letters will be solicited after the initial round of review). Please submit the application to [email protected]. The deadline for first consideration of applications is Feb 28, 2021. For more information regarding the position, please contact Prof. Yue Shen at UIUC ([email protected]).

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