Job Summary

Category: Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships

Institution: University of Cape Town

Department: Astronomy

Number of Positions Available: 2

Duration: 3 Years

Could the duration be extended? No

Work Arrangement: In-Person

In-Person Location(s): Cape Town South Africa

Job Description

The Department of Astronomy of the University of Cape Town is offering two postdoctoral positions to work with Prof D.J. Pisano, South African Research Chair in Extragalactic Multi-wavelength Astronomy, on processing, analyzing, and visualizing radio continuum and HI-data obtained with the 64-dish MeerKAT radio telescope of the South African Radio Astronomical Radio Observatory.

 

We are looking for enthusiastic young radio astronomers who are interested in working with the dynamic UCT Multi-wavelength Extragalactic Astronomy (MEGA) team with experience and interest in any of the following areas: HI and radio continuum data reduction pipelines and analysis, and the development and/or use of Virtual Reality software for astronomical applications.  Experience with single-dish radio data and multi-wavelength data is a bonus. You would primarily be working on existing – and future - extragalactic HI and radio continuum data obtained with the South African SKA Pathfinder MeerKAT, The research will contribute to the MeerKAT HI Large Survey and open time projects involving Prof. D.J. Pisano. We are particularly interested in people who can take the lead in processing and analysing data from these projects, including taking advantage of the Virtual Reality iDavIE tool and contributing to its development/maintenance (for the latter familiarity with VR engines such as Unity and C# coding would be desirable but not mandatory).  The successful applicants will be able to dedicate a significant fraction of their time to their own research, and will have access to the South African MeerKAT open time, and the optical 10m SALT telescope (the 30% South-African share) and other SAAO telescopes. Light departmental duties, such as help with tutoring, seminars, journal clubs and postgraduate student supervision will be expected.

 

The appointment is for three years. One position is available starting on 1 January 2025 and the second in mid-2025.  A PhD in astronomy is required, postdoctoral experience a bonus. The salary is tax-free. Equipment and travel funding is available.  Applications will be considered until both positions are filled.  This position is based upon research supported by the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) of the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation Type: Salary

Stipend: R447,000.00

Included Benefits: Support for moving expenses will be provided. 

Compensation Notes: The salary is tax-free. Equipment and travel funding is available. 

Application Details

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should send a CV, bibliography, brief summary of past research and outline of future plans, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to dj.pisano@uct.ac.za by 15 November 2024.

Publication Start Date: 2024 Oct 20

Application Deadline: 2024 Nov 15

Inquiries

Name: Prof. D.J. Pisano

Email: dj.pisano@uct.ac.za