Senior Astrophysicist - Observational Astronomy

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 73,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Travel to conferences

Access to facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Astrophysicist specialized in Observational Astronomy to join a renowned astronomical research institution in Upington. The role requires on-site leadership in utilizing advanced facilities and guiding data-driven explorations of the universe.

You will lead observational campaigns, develop data pipelines, and publish results while mentoring junior researchers. A strong theoretical background and extensive telescope experience are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Astronomy or related field is required.
• 8+ years of postdoctoral research in observational astronomy.
• Experience with IRAF, CASA, and Python (Astropy) for data analysis.
• Strong background in operating major ground-based telescopes.
• Solid theoretical foundation in astrophysics and clear scientific writing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original observational research in cosmology, galaxy evolution, or stellar physics.
• Plan and execute observations with optical and radio facilities.
• Develop data reduction pipelines and analysis techniques.
• Collaborate with instrument scientists on new technologies.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to outreach activities.

Skills

Data analysis (IRAF/CASA/Python)

Observational astronomy

Telescope operation

Scientific communication

Ground-based data handling

Education

PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics

Tools

IRAF

CASA

Python (Astropy)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned institution for astronomical research, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Astrophysicist specializing in Observational Astronomy to join their team in Upington . This position requires a dedicated on-site presence to utilize and contribute to the development of advanced astronomical facilities. You will be at the forefront of exploring the universe, conducting groundbreaking research using state-of-the-art telescopes, and analyzing vast amounts of observational data. The ideal candidate possesses a deep theoretical understanding of astrophysics, extensive experience with observational techniques, and a passion for making significant contributions to our understanding of cosmic phenomena. This is an exceptional opportunity to work within a world-class research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct original research in observational astrophysics, focusing on areas such as cosmology, galaxy evolution, or stellar physics.
• Plan, execute, and analyze astronomical observations using optical and radio telescopes.
• Develop and refine data reduction pipelines and analysis techniques for astronomical datasets.
• Collaborate with instrument scientists and engineers on the development and testing of new observational technologies.
• Publish research findings in leading peer-reviewed journals and present work at international conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the scientific programming and outreach activities of the observatory.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of postdoctoral research experience in observational astronomy.
• Demonstrated expertise in data analysis using astronomical software packages (e.g., IRAF, CASA, Python with Astropy).
• Extensive experience with operating and analyzing data from major ground-based telescopes.
• Strong theoretical background in relevant areas of astrophysics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for scientific publications and presentations.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package.
• Access to cutting-edge observational facilities and computational resources.
• Opportunities for professional development and travel to conferences.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• A vibrant and collaborative research community in the unique setting of Upington .
• Contribution to significant discoveries shaping our view of the cosmos.