Post-Doctoral Fellow in Astronomy/Astrophysics

Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science

Te Kura Matū | School of Physical and Chemical Sciences

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand 

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Fixed term position (3 years from 2025) 

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!

He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Postdoctoral Fellow? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei. 

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) at the University of Canterbury (UC) welcomes applications for the Elaine P. Snowden Fellowship in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The Fellow will conduct research in their chosen field of astronomy and astrophysics. This may be independent research or in collaboration with others, but a leading role in any research project is expected.

Engagement opportunities include outreach with the Observatory, which hosts Ngāi Tahu’s Dark Sky Project; an annual Astronomy School for high school students; mentorship of undergraduate Snowden Scholars; and undergraduate teaching and supervising experience

Mōu | Who You Are

You should be nearing submission (your PhD must have been awarded before the start of the Fellowship), or within 4 years of your awarded PhD. You are an active researcher in any branch of astronomy or astrophysics, including planetary studies in the solar system and cosmology. Applications are also welcomed if your interests are in instrumentation or in Indigenous astronomy. People from historically marginalized communities are particularly encouraged to apply. 

You should propose a programme of research you wish to carry out at UC which should have the support and endorsement from a continuing UC academic member of staff in Astronomy or Astrophysics, who will act as your academic mentor if selected. This endorsement may be sought before applying, or it will be arranged on the appointment of a successful applicant. Please contact the School if you wish to look for a mentor before applying: Physical and Chemical Sciences. 

To be successful in this position you will ideally have the following:

• Doctoral Degree or equivalent (NZQA Level 10) or working towards competition
• Strong research background
• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills
• A publication track record as well as experience with preparation and delivery of quality oral presentations to a wide range of audiences is essential
• A proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to a wide variety or groups including scientific and non-scientific audiences
• Ability to work creatively and independently 

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

The Te Kura Matū School of Physical and Chemical Sciences is a thriving community with a legacy spanning 150 years of academic excellence. Amongst the largest Schools within the University, we are driven by our collective commitment to search for innovative solutions that address the problems and challenges both within New Zealand and the World. 

The School has a dynamic research community including: astro-particle & high-energy physics; black holes & cosmology; dark energy & dark matter; exoplanets & planetary systems; galactic archaeology; microlensing; Solar System small bodies; stellar systems & populations; supernovae & transients; variable & pulsating stars. Major collaborations include Comet Interceptor, DART, 4MOST, GALAH, IceCube, IAU-CPS, KMTNet, LISA, LSST, and SALT. We operate UC's Mt John Observatory with four telescopes: a 1-m with a high-res fibre-fed echelle spectrograph, 1.8-m with 2.2 sq. deg. imager & two 0.6-m. 

The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences offers a spectrum of majors including Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences. Our research endeavours are channelled through five central themes: Sustainability and the Environment, New Materials, Nanotechnology and Laser Physics, Energy and Storage, and Astronomy and Astrophysics, as well as Human, Animal, and Plant Health. 

By joining our School, you will be a part of pioneering initiatives that shape the future of scientific discovery and leave an indelible mark on the world. 

For more information about our team, please visit us at Physical and Chemical Sciences | University of Canterbury

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference. 

The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements
• Supportive working environment
• Generous annual leave provisions and competitive salary
• Professional development opportunities
• A unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff club at discounted rates plus onsite café’s and eateries, and more 

For more information, please visit: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit www.canterbury.ac.nz

The closing date for this position is: 5 January 2025 (midnight, NZ time)

Applications will be reviewed after the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.  Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz 

For further information specifically about the role, please contact the Head of School Prof Roger Reeves: hosspcs@canterbury.ac.nz to discuss the opportunities associated with this position. 

Please Note: Candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant Doctoral qualification, will also be considered.

Starting salary is NZ$85,000 p.a. The Fellowship also includes $15,000 p.a. independent research fund and airfare to NZ. The nominal start date is 31 March 2025; flexibility is possible.

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.