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About the Role
The School of Physical Sciences at the Open University, UK, invites applications for a 3-year fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate investigating clumpy galaxies using simulations and deep learning. The postdoctoral researcher will work with Dr Hugh Dickinson as part of the STFC-funded research project “Probing Clumpy Star Formation Using Euclid Observations And Cosmic Simulations”. The role will involve using deep learning models and data from cutting-edge cosmological simulations to study giant star-forming clumps in real and simulated star-forming galaxies. This project will improve our understanding of clumps’ role in the formation and evolution of galaxies throughout the Universe.
Key Responsibilities
The person appointed to this post will undertake duties including:
- Developing and fine-tuning deep learning models to process images of star-forming galaxies to detect and classify any giant star-forming clumps they host.
- Applying these models to images from the Euclid Space Telescope and mock images generated using data from the COLIBRE suite of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations.
- Identifying morphologically similar populations of real and simulated clumps and inferring the physical properties of the real clumps based on those of their simulated counterparts.
- Leading scientific publications related to the research outcomes.
- Working with, and providing day-to-day support to, PhD students in extragalactic astronomy and machine learning.
- Disseminating the research at major national and international conferences.
- Developing their own independence by leading observing proposals, and leading and/or co-ordinating work within international teams.
All Staff are expected to:
- Co-operate with the Open University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and Departmental Health and Safety arrangements are complied with.
- Ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies.
- Attend /complete appropriate staff development events / courses.
About You
Essential:
- PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics or a related field.
- Experience of extragalactic astronomy research.
- Experience in developing deep learning models and applying them to astrophysical imaging data.
- Strong Python programming skills applied to scientific data processing and analysis.
- A developing track record of peer-reviewed publications in international astrophysics journals.
- Time management and project planning skills.
- The ability to present your research effectively both orally and in scientific writing.
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse team.
Desirable:
- Experience studying and analysing the properties of clumpy star-forming galaxies and the clumps they contain.
- Experience of working with astrophysical imaging data from ground and space-based telescopes.
- Experience developing and adapting deep-learning based object detection models.
- Experience processing and analysing data from cosmological hydrodynamical simulations.
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
What's in it for you?
At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
Work location
It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes Office, it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be 2 days per week, but this could be more often if business needs dictate.
Next steps in the Recruitment process
How to apply
To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):
- CV
- Supporting Statement (Your Supporting Statement should be no more than 1000 words and should outline how your current skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria listed above)
You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.
