Research Fellow – Extragalactic Observations of the High-Redshift Universe

Job Description

Postdoc in Extragalactic Observations of the High-Redshift Universe: Grade: 7

Department: Physics & Astronomy: Location: UCL, London (UK)

Reports to

Dr. Guido Roberts-Borsani (Principal Investigator).

Context

The Astrophysics Group in the Department of Physics & Astronomy (P&A) at UCL invites applications for a 3-year PDRA position (starting date between 1st January and 1st April 2027, by mutual agreement) to work on galaxy formation and evolution in the first billion years with the James Webb Space Telescope, in Dr. Guido Roberts-Borsani's group as part of the OMEGA European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant. The Astrophysics Group is one of the largest in the UK, comprising about 130 members of academic, research and support staff, of which 21 are academic staff members. Our research areas cover galaxy formation and evolution, cosmology, gravitational waves, massive stars, star formation and stellar evolution, interstellar and circumstellar processes, exo-planetary and planetary science, atmospheric physics and instrumentation.

UCL's Department of Physics & Astronomy has a strong track record of investment and scientific leadership in facilities such as JWST, DES, DESI, 4MOST, Euclid, Ariel, Rubin-LSST, PFS, JCMT, Litebird as well as participation at co-I level of instruments on large explorer mission concepts such as Cassini and JUICE with participation in many other mission and instrument concept designs.

Main purpose of the job

The PDRA will carry out high-impact research pertaining to the ISM, stellar, and black hole properties of high-redshift galaxies, using JWST spectroscopy from the PI's approved observing programs (in particular DAJE-JWST and OMEGA-JWST) to advance our understanding of galaxy properties and chemical enrichment from cosmic reionization to cosmic dawn. Depending on the project's needs and the candidate's expertise, the research will address one or more of OMEGA's core themes: the ionisation structure of the interstellar medium and robust metallicity measurements; the physical origins of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen (CNO) abundance ratios; the burstiness and modes of star formation at high redshift; and the pace at which early galaxies built up their chemical reservoirs. In addition to producing first-author publications, the PDRA is also expected to develop their own research ideas and telescope proposals, engage and coordinate with the PI’s existing collaborations, contribute to the social and intellectual life of the wider Astrophysics Group, and support the supervision of PhD students working on related themes.

Duties and responsibilities

• Analyse JWST spectroscopic (and complementary multi-wavelength) data of high-redshift galaxies to measure their interstellar medium properties, chemical abundances, and ionisation conditions.
• Derive robust chemical abundances (e.g. O/H and CNO ratios) at z > 6 and investigate the physical processes and observational biases that shape them.
• Interpret observational results in the context of cosmological simulations and photoionisation models to build a physical picture of early chemical enrichment.
• Develop and apply analysis tools and pipelines for spectroscopic data, including emission-line and abundance measurements, and, where relevant, photoionisation modelling and/or machine-learning techniques.
• Prepare and submit competitive proposals for follow-up observations (e.g. with JWST, ALMA, Keck, and VLT).
• Publish results in leading peer-reviewed journals as lead and co-author, and present them at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to the day-to-day running of the OMEGA group, including regular progress meetings and knowledge-sharing.
• Support the supervision and mentoring of PhD and project students working on related research themes.
• Collaborate effectively within the group and with national and international partners and collaborations.
• The post may involve occasional travel to conferences, collaboration meetings, and observatories.

General

Follow and actively promote the UCL Ways of Working.

Takes responsibility to carry out duties in a way that embodies UCL's environmental and social sustainability values, actively supporting UCL's Sustainability Strategy, policies and objectives within the remit of their role.

Carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager.

This job description may be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.

While there is flexibility in working schedule and location, this position is not considered a hybrid position, and the successful candidate will be expected to devote the majority of their research time working from UCL.

Person Specification

Note to job applicant: copy and paste the following criteria into your “Statement in support of your application” and describe underneath each criteria how you meet it, giving examples. You will be scored on how you meet each criteria.

Essential Criteria: Assessment method (Application form/ Interview / Practical Test)

Qualifications, experience and knowledge

A PhD (awarded or near completion) in astrophysics / astronomy.: Application / Interview

A strong research record in observational extragalactic astronomy, evidenced by publications in leading peer-reviewed journals.: Application / Interview Experience of analysing spectroscopic and/or photometric data from major observatories (e.g. JWST, HST, Keck, VLT, or ALMA).: Application / Interview Working knowledge of the physics of galaxies and the interstellar medium, including emission-line diagnostics and/or chemical abundance measurements.: Application / Interview Experience of designing and carrying out independent research and disseminating results at conferences and in publications.: Application / Interview

Skills and abilities

Strong programming and data-analysis skills, particularly in Python, applied to large or complex astronomical datasets.: Application / Interview Ability to work independently, plan and prioritise a research programme, and deliver results to deadline.: Application / Interview Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present research to expert and general audiences.: Application / Interview Ability to work collaboratively within a research group and international collaborations, and to contribute to the supervision of students.: Application / Interview

Desirable Criteria: Assessment method (Application form/ Interview / Practical Test) Experience of preparing successful telescope proposals (e.g., JWST, ALMA, Keck, VLT): Application / Interview Experience with photoionization modelling (e.g., CLOUDY), SED-fitting, and/or machine-learning techniques applied to astronomical data.: Application / Interview

UCL Ways of Working

Please use Ways of Working supporting indicators to clarify ‘how we work’ expectations at UCL. Please click here to find grade appropriate supporting indicators and guidance on using Ways of Working in recruitment.: Application Demonstrable contribution to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion: Application