Postdoctoral Research Associate in Euclid Spectroscopy and Strong Lensing/Galaxy Morphology

About the Role

The School of Physical Sciences at the Open University, UK, invites applications for a 3-year fixed-term postdoctoral researcher in Research Associate in Euclid spectroscopy, galaxy morphology and strong lensing with Euclid and Rubin. The postdoctoral researcher will work with Professor Stephen Serjeant and Dr Hugh Dickinson on research funded Horizon Europe “ELSA” and “OSCARS" projects. The work will involve analysis and interpretation of imaging, photometry and spectroscopy collected by the Euclid space telescope and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory to investigate the dark matter content and/or baryonic substructure of galaxies and their halos. 

Key Responsibility 

• Leading analysis and interpretation of imaging and photometric data from the Euclid and LSST surveys. 
• Leading scientific publications related to research outcomes. 
• Working with and providing support for PhD students in extragalactic astronomy. 
• Disseminating the research at major national and international conferences.
• Developing an independent research profile by leading and/or coordinating work within international consortia and collaborations. 

All Staff are expected to: 

• Co-operate with the Open University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and Departmental Health and Safety arrangements are complied with. 
• Have a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity. 
• Attend /complete appropriate staff development events / courses. 

Skills and Experience 

Essential: 

• PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics or a related field. 
• Experience working with and analyzing datasets delivered by large optical/near-Infrared surveys. 
• Experience using the Python programming language for scientific data processing and analysis. 
• A strong record of research and/or knowledge exchange that is commensurate to the position, with specialisms in either detailed galaxy morphology, strong gravitational lensing, and/or galaxy evolution. 
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals.  
• Time management and project planning skills. 
• The ability to present your research effectively, both orally and in scientific writing. 
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse team. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of the expected astrophysical signatures galaxy-scale strong lensing and experience applying methods for their detection and analysis. 
• Experience analysing and interpreting measurements of galaxy morphology. 
• Experience working with and analysing optical and near-infrared imaging data. 
• Experience working with and analysing optical and near-infrared slitless spectroscopic data. 
• Experience working with Euclid survey data and/or Vera C. Rubin Observatory data preview data products. 
• Experience in applying machine learning models to astronomical data. 

Please click 'Apply’ button above to be redirected to our application page.

To apply for this role please submit the following;

CV and Supporting Statement, up to 1,000 words. You should set out in your statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the above essential and desirable criteria. 

Closing Date: Friday 22nd November 2024

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