Infrared Spectroscopy of Brown Dwarfs and/or Ultracool Dwarfs

Prof. Stanimir Metchev at the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration at Western University in London, Ontario invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate.

The successful applicant will lead analysis of infrared spectroscopic programs with JWST MIRI or with high-dispersion spectrographs on ground-based telescopes. The JWST investigations focus on brown dwarf atmospheres and their chemical and cloud content. The ground-based programs seek a complete characterization of the ultracool dwarf population in the solar neighbourhood in preparation for a proposed Canadian transit-exoplanet micro-satellite mission: POET (Photometric Observations of Extrasolar Transits), co-led by Metchev. Background in spectroscopy or time series analysis would be advantageous.

Further information about Prof. Metchev’s research can be found at: https://physics.uwo.ca/people/faculty_web_pages/metchev.html

The successful applicant will be expected to actively pursue additional ground- or space-based observations in support of one or both programs. The position also offers an excellent opportunity for additional collaboration with Metchev's team in the fields of optical time-domain astronomy (transiting exoplanets or stellar occultations) or telescope instrumentation (robotic observatories, infrared instrumentation). Western has access to all Canadian national telescopes, including Gemini, CFHT, ALMA, and a slew of 1-2 metre-class telescopes. Metchev's team regularly uses JWST, TESS, Hubble, NOIRLab and ESO telescopes, and the NASA/IRTF.

Candidates must have a doctoral degree in Astronomy or a related field, received within five years of the start of the appointment. The start date is flexible, but preferably no later than July 1, 2025. The appointment is for up to three years, contingent on satisfactory annual progress reviews and availability of funds.

Western Values Diversity. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.