We invite applications for up to two DIRAC Research Associates in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Washington. These 3-year positions are available to promising, early-career researchers who
- Are interested in working on scientific research that complements or extends the current active research programmes at DIRAC (Cosmology, Solar System science, Milky-Way structure, the Variable and Transient universe, Astronomical Software, extragalactic science, and the understanding the structure, formation, and evolution of the Milky Way using large surveys like SDSS, WISE, PanSTARRS1, ZTF and others). We welcome research proposals from outside these areas that show how their work connects to DIRAC’s areas of expertise.
- are excited to work with new data sets like those produced for example by Gaia, ZTF and LSST
- are interested in exploring and applying new statistical and computational techniques to these data sets, and how to extend current methodology to be applicable in the era of big data
- are enthusiastic about collaborating with researchers across all areas of astrophysics and are curious about building connections with scientists from other fields like computer science and statistics.
Applicants should demonstrate excellence in research that either complements or builds upon ongoing research directions within the DIRAC Institute. Successful candidates will work with the current DIRAC faculty and researchers to develop their own programs of research and innovation.
The DIRAC Institute is a recently formed center for data intensive astrophysics at the University of Washington. The Institute consists of six faculty and senior fellows, and over 20 postdoctoral researchers and research scientists. The University of Washington is a partner in the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) project, a new time-domain survey now in routine operations. The UW is a founding partner of the LSST project, and leads the construction of its time domain and solar system processing pipelines.
Qualifications: A Ph.D or foreign equivalent degree in astronomy, physics, computer science, or a related subject is required. The initial appointment is for two years, renewable for a third year, and offers competitive salary and benefits. The appointment is expected to start no later than September 2019.
Application Instructions: Applications should be submitted online through the UW Interfolio FS module . Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement (maximum length 3 pages, addressing both current work and laying out research ideas for the 3-year fellowship) as well as contact information for three letters of recommendation. Candidates should address in their application how their work potentially complements, connects to, or extends current research efforts at DIRAC, or indicate how they would benefit from expertise available at DIRAC.
We encourage candidates to highlight work and achievements related to data-intensive astronomy that they are enthusiastic about, but do not easily fit within traditional metrics of academic success (e.g. open-source software development, development of teaching or outreach materials, diversity work, etc).
Please apply by December 10th, 2018 for full consideration, but applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.