The WFIRST Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey (WINGS) science investigation team (http://www.astro.washington.edu/users/ben/WFIRST/ ) is seeking a postdoc to help develop the nearby galaxy observing program for the WFIRST mission. Applications are solicited for a postdoctoral position to work with Dr. B. Williams in the Astronomy Department at the University of Washington in Seattle. In addition to carrying out a vigorous research program on matters of mutual scientific interest with Dr. Williams and the international WINGS collaboration, the successful candidate will develop a pipeline to produce simulated WFIRST images and to perform crowded-field photometry and star/galaxy separation on those images. This analysis pipeline will be used to perform tests that will inform on the final design of the nearby galaxy survey and the technical design of the WFIRST mission, which will be finalized in 2020. WFIRST launch is currently scheduled for 2025.
The position is funded through the NASA WFIRST Science Investigation Team program, and can begin any time prior to September, 2016. The position will initially be for one year, with likely extension to three years pending satisfactory performance, and possible renewal for up to two additional years. Applicants must have a PhD or foreign equivalent in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field by start of appointment. Additional attractive qualifications could include a strong track record or interests in studies of the Local Volume galaxies with resolved stellar photometry, demonstrated expertise in working with large data sets, scripting in Python and/or knowledge of C. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, bibliography, and statement of research interests (as a single PDF attachment) to ben@astro.washington.edu as soon as possible. Applicants should also have three letters of recommendation sent to the submission e-mail address. Review of applications will begin on 01 Feb 2016 and continue until the position is filled.
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.