https://jobregister.aas.org/ad/aa1ab6c8

SARChI Postdoctoral Fellow in Neutral Hydrogen Radio Interferometry
University of Cape Town The Department of Astronomy of the University
of Cape Town is hosting two postdoctoral positions in the area of
Wide-Field HI observations, associated with the South African Research
Chair in Extragalactic Multi-wavelength Astronomy (chair holder: Prof
Claude Carignan). South Africa is constructing MeerKAT, a 64-dish
radio interferometer serving as an SKA precursor
(http://www.ska.ac.za). One of the primary duties will be to work on
the MHONGOOSE survey for ultra-deep HI observations of 30 nearby
galaxies (PI: de Blok). Observations for the survey should start in
mid-2018. The candidates are also expected to work on the definition
of other HI Survey projects for MeerKAT, such as research on the
cosmic web, combining MeerKAT and FAST (China) data or other HI work
on international facilities (e.g. VLA, DRAO). Candidates with
numerical simulations expertise will also be considered.  We are
looking for enthusiastic candidates interested in joining the steadily
growing UCT radio astronomy group to work with Prof Claude Carignan on
preparing for these upcoming large HI surveys (sample selection,
simulations, calibration, ancillary data collection, software and
pipeline development). The candidates will have (and are expected to
spend) a significant fraction of their time available for their own
research projects. We are looking for candidates with experience in
radio interferometric observations and software programming. On the
optical side, candidates will also have access to the 30%
South-African share on the 10m SALT and other telescopes at SAAO and
may be asked to prepare and execute ancillary programs to the HI
surveys. Finally, candidates will be asked to help out with light
departmental duties (e.g. teaching observatories (optical & radio),
seminars, journal clubs) and with postgraduate students’
supervision. This will be specified in an MOU signed with your
supervisor upon arrival.  The appointments are for two years, with
possibilities of extension for another year, subject to sufficient
progress. A PhD in astronomy and experience with interferometric data
and programming is required. The salary is tax-free. Equipment and
travel funding is available. Interested candidates should send a CV,
bibliography, brief summary of research, outline of future plans, and
arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent by December
1st, 2017. Applications will be considered from that date until the
positions are filled. The positions could start as soon as possible at
the beginning of 2018. Inquiries, applications and letters of
recommendation should be sent to: ccarignan@ast.uct.ac.za

“This position is based upon research supported by the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) of the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation.”
Included Benefits: 
Equipment and travel funding is available.
Application Deadline: 
Friday, December 1, 2017
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, December 29, 2017