Postdoctoral positions in radio astronomy techniques for the Deep Synoptic Array (DSA)

The Deep Synoptic Array (DSA) will be a transformative radio astronomy facility, spearheaded by Caltech. The array is entering its construction phase this year with survey operations beginning in 2028/29. With its near complete sampling of the uv-plane, the DSA will operate as a “radio camera”, producing images and data cubes in real-time instead of visibilities as the standard output of a traditional correlator. It will operate as a dedicated survey telescope with a broad science case. In particular, it will detect 21cm HI emission in millions of galaxies out to z = 1, uniquely measuring the cosmic HI content within the past 8 Gyr, and resolve the cold interstellar medium in the Milky Way and tens of thousands of nearby galaxies at ~3” resolution.  In the short term, the existing DSA-110 array offers unique opportunities for technical demonstration and early science exploitation. 

What we expect from you:

The successful candidate(s) are hired as part of the Excellence Cluster DYNAVERSE, a joint initiative by the Universities of Bonn and Cologne (https://dynaverse.astro.uni-koeln.de), and will work as part of a team to set up the computing infrastructure and develop methods required to enhance future HI line observations with the DSA, using the precursor facility DSA-110. This will include forward modeling of spectral line data, RFI mitigation, defining optimal setups for Doppler tracking/setting in various spectral line zoom bands, investigating compression algorithms, as well as developing strategies for continuum subtraction and source selection. The work will be conducted in collaboration with the broader team at Caltech and at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR). Successful candidates will also have the opportunity to co-supervise students, benefit from early science opportunities with the DSA-110, and take part in the scientific exchanges within AIfA, MPIfR, and DYNAVERSE more broadly.

Necessary skills:

• A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, computer science or a related field by the appointment date
• Prior experience with astronomical data and/or instrumentation, and ideally specifically with radio astronomical interferometric observations 
• Strong proficiency and experience in scripting/programming, in particular Python
• Strong interest in programmatic problem solving and developing pipelines
• Proficiency in the Linux operating system
• Enthusiasm for disseminating results in scientific publications and conferences
• Enthusiasm working in a large, international team

Desired skills (one or more of):

• Practical experience in applying Machine Learning methods to data
• Prior experience in the study of HI in galaxies, the interstellar medium, or galaxy evolution
• Prior experience with GPU-based high performance computing 

What we offer:

Between AIfA, MPIfR, and neighbouring institutions, the Bonn/Cologne area is a major hub of research activity with a particular focus on (sub)mm/radio astronomy and the study of star formation, from the Milky Way to the distant Universe. All these institutions are now connected in addition through the DYNAVERSE Excellence Cluster. AIfA is home to seven scientific research groups covering observations and simulations, ranging from large scale structure and cosmology over astrochemistry to ISM and star formation. The two AIfA radio astronomy groups are involved in various facilities, most imminently the DSA and CCAT/FYST. 

The successful candidate(s) will have access to the large network of 25 PIs in astronomy and computer science within the DYNAVERSE Cluster. We welcome independently-led research ideas and will allow the successful candidate to spend at least 25% of their time on their own research, ideally on projects relevant to DSA science which would later feed into the full scientific activities with the facility. 

Appointments will initially be for 3 years, with the possibility of extension based on performance. The starting date is as early as possible, but generally flexible. 

The University of Bonn is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women and underrepresented groups. The DYNAVERSE Excellence Cluster and its partners encourage diversity in its work culture; people from all backgrounds and genders are invited to apply.