| Oxford Astrophysics Jobs |
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The Department of Physics wishes to make post-doctoral appointments for up to three years to work in the areas of theoretical cosmology and particle astrophysics. Particular areas of interest for our theoretical programme are large-scale structure and galaxy formation, galaxy evolution, cosmic background radiation anisotropy and non-baryonic dark-matter signatures. One of the new positions will be the newly endowed BIPAC fellowship in particle astrophysics and cosmology to be held in association with Queens College. The successful candidates are likely to have demonstrated a capacity for independent work and be capable of initiating research in a lively group with significant activity across these areas. The newly opened Beecroft Institute for Particle Astrophysics (BIPAC) will accommodate new appointees. A 128-processor Beowulf computer system is available exclusively for projects in cosmology and particle astrophysics.
In observational astronomy, our programme spans galaxy evolution and cosmology, including stellar dynamics and populations, galaxy clusters, the physics of active galaxies and their use as cosmological probes, and galaxy and quasar surveys. The group is the focus for UK involvement in the Gemini Observatories hosting the UK Gemini Support Group. We have a growing instrumentation group that, in collaboration with RAL, is constructing the fibre-fed infrared MOS for the Japanese 8m Subaru telescope and the VISTA wide field near-infrared camera. We are participating in the design and construction of integral field units, optical and infrared spectrographs, including KMOS & MUSE for the ESO VLT and design studies for the WFMOS & Extreme AO instruments for Gemini. Candidates with instrumentation and observational expertise will be sought in a separate advertisement, with a later closing date.
The post-holders will have the opportunity to engage in teaching for up to 3 hours per week during term. The starting salary is from £19,460 - £29,128 pa depending on skills and experience. A benefits package and a research budget for travel and other expenses will be provided.
Further particulars are available from
http://www-astro.physics.ox.ac.uk/jobs.html
Applicants should send a
statement of research interests, curriculum vitae, list of publications,
and the names and addresses of three referees by the closing date of 1
December 2004 . In addition candidates should arrange for letters from the
referees to be sent to the address below by the closing date. While
preference will be given to applications that arrive by the closing date,
we will also consider late applications which arrive prior to the final
short-listing of candidates. Applications and all other correspondence
should quote reference DB04008 and be sent to:
Mrs S Blackshaw Astrophysics University of Oxford Denys Wilkinson Building Keble Road Oxford OX1 3RH United Kingdom. Fax: +44 (0)1865 273390 Email: sec@astro.ox.ac.uk
Electronic applications are acceptable in PDF, PS, or MS Word formats.
Applications will be acknowledged but not reference letters.
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Sub-department of Astrophysics invites applications for post-doctoral research positions in theoretical astrophysics and cosmology.
The Department of Physics wishes to make post-doctoral appointments for
up to three years to work in the areas of theoretical cosmology and
particle astrophysics. Particular areas of interest for our theoretical
programme are large-scale structure and galaxy formation, galaxy
evolution, cosmic background radiation anisotropy and non-baryonic
dark-matter signatures. One of the new positions will be the newly
endowed BIPAC fellowship in particle astrophysics and cosmology to be
held in association with Queens College. The successful candidates are
likely to have demonstrated a capacity for independent work and be
capable of initiating research in a lively group with significant
activity across these areas. The newly opened Beecroft Institute for
Particle Astrophysics (BIPAC) will accommodate new appointees. A
128-processor Beowulf computer system is available exclusively for
projects in cosmology and particle astrophysics.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates with a proven record
of research in these or related areas. A more detailed account of the
astronomical research taking place at Oxford may be found by referring to
the Astrophysics web site (http://www-astro.physics.ox.ac.uk).
The post-holder/s will be based in the Sub-Department of Astrophysics, which is one of the six sub-departments that together make up the Department of Physics. The other sub-departments are (1) Atomic and Laser Physics, (2) Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, (3) Condensed Matter Physics, (4) Particle Physics and (5) Theoretical Physics. The Department of Physics currently comprises about 80 University-funded academic staff, 150 other postdoctoral researchers and visitors, 200 graduate students and 580 registered undergraduate students. Since 1 October 2000, the Department of Physics is part of the Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
The Sub-Department of Astrophysics consists of over 100 people of whom 16 are staff, 28 are post-doctoral researchers and 35 are research students. In addition, there are 15 astrophysicists in the Sub-Department of Theoretical Physics.
The Sub-Department of Astrophysics is situated in the Denys Wilkinson Building, which is close to the centre of Oxford and the extensive University Parks. The Laboratory has excellent library, teaching and workshop facilities. The Sub-Department has grown steadily in recent years.
Professor Roger Davies is currently Head of Astrophysics. He has expanded the work on galaxy evolution and observational cosmology and substantial increased the department's work in astronomical instrumentation. The theoretical research group is led by Professor Joseph Silk, studying cosmology, galaxy formation and dark matter. The recently opened Beecroft Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology provides a focus for this activity. Oxford Astrophysics has been successful in attracting PPARC Senior/ Advanced/Post-doctoral and Royal Society Research Fellows. PPARC rolling grants support research into observational and theoretical cosmology.
In observational astronomy, our programme spans galaxy evolution and cosmology, including stellar dynamics and populations, galaxy clusters, the physics of active galaxies and their use as cosmological probes, and galaxy and quasar surveys. The group is the focus for UK involvement in the Gemini Observatories hosting the UK Gemini Support Group. We have a growing instrumentation group that, in collaboration with RAL, is constructing the fibre-fed infrared MOS for the Japanese 8m Subaru telescope and the VISTA wide field near-infrared camera. We are participating in the design and construction of integral field units, optical and infrared spectrographs, including KMOS & MUSE for the ESO VLT and design studies for the WFMOS & Extreme AO instruments for Gemini. Candidates with instrumentation and observational expertise will be sought in a separate advertisement, with a later closing date.
The University of Oxford is over 700 years old and has a strong collegiate nature, the individual Colleges being a microcosm of multi-disciplinary academic expertise, whilst the science departments have a conventional structure. Teaching is shared between the two aspects - lectures, classes, laboratories, examinations and post-graduate research supervision being normally department-based, while tutorial teaching (in small groups) is college-based, as also is the undergraduate selection process.
Oxford is a major node of PPARC's STARLINK computing network. Computers available in Astrophysics in support of observational and theoretical research programmes currently comprise a network of workstations augmented by PCs running Linux; these machines are supported by STARLINK, the University and external research grant funding. Current STARLINK software is available plus other well-established data reduction packages such as AIPS and IRAF. The system manager plus other local expertise provide computer support.
A 128 node BEOWULF computer is available as part of the newly created Beecroft Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology.
Queen's College, founded in 1341, is a homogeneous mix of heterogeneous elements representing most aspects of the university community and scholarly work. There are about 40 fellows, about 160 graduate students and about 330 undergraduates. Physics is strongly represented with two tutorial fellows, Dr R B Nickerson and Dr R A Taylor, and a college lecturer retained to teach the requisite mathematics.
Stipend and office accommodation for the joint appointment come through the Department. The College provides full membership of the Senior Common Room, free meals, and all other privileges enjoyed by ordinary Junior Research Fellows, such as a stimulating inter-subject environment. A JRF may, with the leave of the Governing Body, engage in teaching up to a maximum of six hours per week during Full Term, and, if teaching, would normally be expected to give priority to the College's own teaching needs. The Senior Tutor is always willing to discuss with interested candidates the implications of a fellowship at the College.
There is no specific application form. Applicants should send a statement of research interests, curriculum vitae, list of publications, and the names and addresses of three referees by the closing date of 1 December 2004, quoting reference DB04008 to:
Mrs S Blackshaw Astrophysics Denys Wilkinson Building Keble Road Oxford OX1 3RH UK. Fax: +44 (0)1865 273390 Email: sec@astro.ox.ac.uk
Candidates should, in addition, arrange for letters from the referees to be sent to the above address by the closing date. Electronic applications are acceptable in PDF, PS, or MS Word formats. Applications will be acknowledged but not reference letters.
Applicants should ensure that their application includes contact numbers and addresses (telephone, fax, e-mail) which could be used to contact them.
A selection panel from within the sub-department of Astrophysics will consider all applications. Preference will be given to applicants with research experience in the areas indicated under "The Posts" above. The applicant/s finally selected will then be offered an appointment from 1 October 2005, with a starting salary on the RS1A salary scale, £19,460 - £29,128 pa, depending on the selection panel's assessment of skills and experience.
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Last updated 01.11.04