Post Doctoral Research Associate

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community. NOIRLab operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with approximately 400 employees at facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Hawai’i, and Chile.

The Post Doctoral Research Associate will use high-precision photometry and astrometry catalogs obtained from HST/ACS, HST/WFC3 and JWST/NIRCam to reconstruct the internal kinematics of the young massive cluster 30 Doradus in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The Post Doctoral Research Associate will use Bayesian inference to characterize the ages and physical properties of the stars in 30Doradus. They will compare the proper motions displacements and ages of the stars with models of cluster formation and early evolution to determine 30 Doradus assembly history and evolution.

They will data process, and analyze MIRI observations to identify and characterize the young stellar objects present in the region to establish where are the sites of most recent star formation in the complex.

Essential Functions:

• Align and process the MIRI observations to the HST and JWST/NIRCam catalogs provided by CoIs at STScI

• Perform the photometry analysis of the MIRI observations

• Combine the MIRI photometry catalog with the available HST and JWST/NIRcam one.

• Use Bayesian inference to fit the spectral energy distribution of stars and young stellar objects to determine their ages and physical properties.

• Use proper motion displacements and ages to reconstruct the internal kinematics of 30 Doradus

• Compare the results with models of cluster formation and evolution.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• PhD in astronomy

• Programming experience with Python

• Experience in Bayesian inference and SED fitting

• Experience in studies of stellar evolution, YSO, or star cluster internal dynamics

• Prior experience with JWST/MIRI data is highly desirable

• Self-motivate, independent, and highly organized

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk; or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $72,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by December 6, 2024.

• Please submit a cover letter, a CV or resume, three reference letters, and a research interest statement. PDF files are preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format:  LastnameDocname.
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.