Post Doctoral Research Associate

NSF's NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community. NOIRLab operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs : Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with approximately 400 employees at facilities in three geographic locations : Arizona, Hawai'i, and Chile.

The Post Doctoral Research Associate will use high-precision photometry and astrometry catalogs obtained from HST / ACS, HST / WFC3 and JWST / NIRCam to reconstruct the internal kinematics of the young massive cluster 30 Doradus in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The Post Doctoral Research Associate will use Bayesian inference to characterize the ages and physical properties of the stars in 30Doradus. They will compare the proper motions displacements and ages of the stars with models of cluster formation and early evolution to determine 30 Doradus assembly history and evolution.

They will data process, and analyze MIRI observations to identify and characterize the young stellar objects present in the region to establish where are the sites of most recent star formation in the complex.

Essential Functions :

• Align and process the MIRI observations to the HST and JWST / NIRCam catalogs provided by CoIs at STScI
• Perform the photometry analysis of the MIRI observations
• Combine the MIRI photometry catalog with the available HST and JWST / NIRcam one.
• Use Bayesian inference to fit the spectral energy distribution of stars and young stellar objects to determine their ages and physical properties.
• Use proper motion displacements and ages to reconstruct the internal kinematics of 30 Doradus
• Compare the results with models of cluster formation and evolution.

Other Functions :

Required Education / Experience / Skills / Abilities :

Physical Demands :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary Range : $65,000 - $72,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https : / / hr.aura-astronomy.org / benefits-by-location /

Update : The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by January 17, 2025.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA's role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity / gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and / or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Salary : $65,000 - $72,000