Postdoctoral Research Associate in Stellar/Planetary Astronomy

The optical astronomy group at the University of Tasmania is seeking to appoint a postdoctoral research associate to undertake original scientific investigations in the area of infrared photometric surveys of the Galactic bulge, in preparation for the Roman Galactic Exoplanet Survey (RGES). This space-based microlensing survey of the highly dust-obscured inner galaxy is set to commence in 2027. Advance work will involve analysis of near-IR Hubble Space Telescope and ground-based data, including the University of Tasmania’s telescopes.

The successful candidate will work in our small but accomplished team under the direction of Professors Andrew Cole and Jean-Philippe Beaulieu. The appointment will be for an initial term of 2.5 years, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability. The position is funded by the Australian Research Council through the Discovery Project "Lifting the Veil on Cold Planets in the Inner Galaxy", led by Professors Cole and Beaulieu. The successful candidate will work towards the key scientific objectives of the Discovery Project, and may pursue their own research in closely-related topics.

The ideal candidate should have a good track record of observational research in photometric surveys, including in the near-infrared, stellar populations, exoplanet research, gravitational microlensing, or a closely-related area of astrophysics. They will also have experience in scientific programming. Candidates with other relevant backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Ideally the candidate would be able to take up their duties as soon as possible, and before 1 February 2025.

A PhD in astronomy, physics, or a closely-related field is required. Candidates should have submitted their PhD thesis before commencing the position.

Via the University of Tasmania, the successful candidate will have access to the University’s radio and optical telescopes and the HPC facilities of the Tasmanian Partnership for Advanced Computing.

The University of Tasmania School of Natural Sciences is primarily located in Sandy Bay, a suburb of Hobart. UTAS is the fourth-oldest university in Australia. Applications should be submitted via the link below before 17 September 2024 (AEDT).