Post Doctoral Research Associate - Galaxy Formation & Evolution

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Postdoctoral position focused on galaxy formation and evolution. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with Dr. Jorge A. Zavala and other faculty members in the Department of Astronomy, using observations from different facilities, including ALMA, JWST, and the LMT. These datasets are well-suited for studying a wide range of topics such as dusty star-forming galaxies, massive galaxies across cosmic time, the dust and gas properties of galaxies, galaxy proto-clusters, and ultra-high-redshift galaxies. A fraction of the time may be dedicated to the applicants' own research projects on related topics.

Essential Functions

• Conducting research activities in galaxy formation and evolution topics, including manuscript writing for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presenting results at scientific conferences.
• Lead the design and execution of new follow-up observation proposals.
• Contribute to mentoring students within the department.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• PhD in Physics or Astronomy or related field.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience with data analysis and reduction of optical, NIR, sub-mm, and/or radio observations.
• Experience with SED fitting codes.
• Experience with Python.
• Experience in observational studies of high-redshift (z>1) galaxies.

Additional Details

• This is a two-year position, with the possibility of extension for an additional year, contingent upon satisfactory performance and available funding.
• The initial start date is expected to be in Fall 2025, but it is flexible and can accommodate alternative dates if required. An earlier start date is also possible.

Work Schedule

• Flexible. Possibility for hybrid work schedule.

Salary Information

• Min: $61,008/year.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide letters of reference from three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions before February 15, 2025 are encouraged.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.