Classification: Postdoctoral Fellow (Level A)
Salary package: $73,309 - $92,015 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Terms: Full time, Fixed term (3 years)

• Work at one of the top universities in the world
• Undertake cutting-edge research in astronomy and astrophysics
• Collegial and stimulating working atmosphere in a beautiful and family-friendly environment

Position overview

The Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) at the Australian National University invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow to work with Professor Mark Krumholz's research group in the area of the interstellar medium, star formation, and galactic structure. Theorists, simulators, and observers are all invited to apply.

This position is a fixed term appointment for a period of 3 years. Applicants should have completed a PhD (or awarding of a PhD within six months of appointment commencement) in astronomy, physics, or a closely related area prior to commencing.

Potential Projects

Applicants will have a choice of possible projects, and will help define the direction of the project along with other members of the research group. Some possible projects are as follows:

• Galaxy simulations with self-consistent production and transport of chemical elements. The fellow will help carry out simulations of galaxies following multiple elements, in order to determine the statistical properties of elemental distributions in both the gas phase and stars, as a function of element origin site and cosmic time. Recent references: Armillotta, Krumholz, & Fujimoto (2018), Fujimoto, Krumholz, & Tachibana (2018), Krumholz & Ting (2018)
• Metal loading of galactic winds. This project aims to understand the metal content of galactic winds, driven by supernovae and other mechanisms. The goal is to understand to what extent galactic winds are overabundant in metals compared to the mean of their host galaxy as a result of imperfect mixing in the ISM, and how this varies depending on both galaxy type and element. Recent references: Gentry, Krumholz, Madau, & Lupi (2018), Krumholz, Thompson, Ostriker, & Martin (2017), Forbes, Krumholz, Burkert, & Dekel (2014)
• Machine learning for metallicity measurement (collaboration with Professor Lisa Kewley's group). Many IFU-based surveys are now reporting measurements of metal abundance patterns in the ISM based on ionised gas emission, but far less attention has been paid to understanding the uncertainties in these measurements, or to developing robust statistical tools, than for the analogous problem of analysing stellar metal abundancs. This goal of the project is to develop new statistical methods based on ideas from machine learning to provide more robust and accurate measurements of ISM abundances. Recent references: Ashworth, Fumagalli, Adamo, & Krumholz (2018), Krumholz et al. (2015)

RSAA is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace. Female applicants and applicants from underrepresented minority groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

ANU College of Science overview

The Australian National University (ANU) College of Science covers all areas of scientific endeavour, from astrophysics to climate change, epidemiology to theoretical chemistry. Scientists at ANU use their skills to contribute to advancing science for the future of the world, integrating high level research and educational excellence.

The ANU College of Science (CoS) comprises: the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, the Research School of Biology, the Research School of Chemistry, the Research School of Earth Science, the Fenner School of Environment and Society, the Mathematical Sciences Institute, the Research School of Physics, and the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science. Staff and students within the ANU College of Science conduct research and delivers a research-led education program that encompasses the entire breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities. The College has a strong tradition of research excellence that has fostered distinguished Nobel Laureates and Kyoto Prize winners and that trains scientific leaders in disciplines in which the ANU is consistently ranked in the top twenty in the world.

Salary and Benefits

ANU offers a competitive benefits package, a friendly and collaborative work environment, generous leave entitlements, flexible and family-friendly working arrangements, a dual career hiring policy, and generous superannuation and salary packaging arrangements including access to child care.

For more information, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Mark Krumholz, E: mark.krumholz@anu.edu.au

Closing date: 8 January 2020

Position description: Postdoctoral Fellow.pdf

To see what the Science at ANU community is like, we invite you to follow us on social media at https://www.instagram.com/ouranu/ and https://www.facebook.com/ScienceANU/

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list
• Two page description of previous and present research
• Three page future research plan
• Statement addressing the selection criteria.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Please note: The successful applicant must have rights to live and work in this country.