AY Position No. Post Doctoral Position in Cosmology on DESI

Description

Position No. 00053766. The Cosmology and Astrophysics group at Southern Methodist University (SMU) seeks to hire an outstanding postdoctoral research fellow in cosmology with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI).

The successful applicant will carry out original research and play an important role in the analysis of DESI data. Opportunities to make substantial original contributions are high. DESI science includes a broad and exciting menu of measurements that will collectively provide the most sensitive probe of the expansion history of the universe over the redshift range 0

DESI is a Stage IV dark energy spectroscopic survey utilizing 5000 robotically positioned fibers on the Mayall 4 m at Kitt Peak National Observatory. DESI is currently in Year 3 of an initial 5 year survey which will gather an unprecedented sample of almost 40 million galaxy spectra, each covering 360 - 980 nm. Primary goals are to extract strong cosmological constraints from baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) and redshift space distortion (RSD) measurements. These are complemented by a host of other sensitive astrophysical and cosmological studies. Survey sensitivity relies on the optimal and efficient operation of the telescope.

The Cosmology & Astrophysics group at SMU is currently strongly involved on DESI in science analysis via the simulations of mock galaxy catalogs to support BAO and RSD measurements. We focus on halo occupation and semi-analytic modeling of emission line galaxies and quasars to produce high fidelity mocks.

More broadly, the SMU astrophysics and cosmology effort also includes CMB cosmology, line intensity mapping at high redshift, supernova cosmology at low redshift, and transient science with Simons Observatory, CMB-S4, COMAP, FYST, ROTSE and others. Our department also hosts a strong experimental and theoretical particle physics effort at LHC, Fermilab and the EIC.

Qualifications

We seek a highly motivated applicant who has obtained, or is about to obtain, a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy or related fields. Experience with cosmology, galactic astronomy and / or spectroscopy is highly valued. Software development experience is a plus.

Application Instructions

For further information, contact Prof. Robert Kehoe (kehoe@physics.smu.edu). Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a list of publications resulting from significant contributions, a description of research interests and skills including a brief description of mentoring experience, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to Interfolio at

Review of applications will begin on February 20, 2024. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by March 15, 2024, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.