Post Doctoral Research Associate

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct scientific research using James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) multi-band imaging data to investigate the extent to which young, massive stars obscure older stellar populations in integrated-light studies of the early universe, a phenomenon known as "outshining." The research will focus on understanding and calibrating outshining bias through detailed analysis of the full range of stellar populations in a sample of low-redshift analogs of high-redshift galaxies using new and archival JWST and HST observations. The position will work closely with the Principal Investigator Yumi Choi of the joint JWST-HST program and collaborate with NOIRLab researchers and a U.S.-based research team with expertise in both the low-redshift and high-redshift universe. The position is based at NSF NOIRLab's Tucson headquarters.

Responsibilities

Perform near-ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared (IR) multi-band photometric analyses of resolved stellar populations using JWST, HST, and related observational data; Conduct simultaneous analyses of multiple color-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) to derive global and spatially resolved star formation histories (SFHs); Analyze broadband, per-star spectral energy distributions (SEDs) to characterize stellar properties and line-of-sight dust extinction; Develop and apply methods to emulate high-redshift observations using nearby galaxy data and perform integrated-light SED analyses to measure and evaluate stellar masses and related properties; Investigate resolved stellar populations in nearby star-forming galaxies to characterize their properties and establish connections to the interpretation of galaxies in the early universe; Develop, validate, document, and deliver science-ready data products in support of the research program; Lead the analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of research findings through peer-reviewed scientific publications and presentations; Collaborate with project investigators and research team members in the interpretation of scientific results and advancement of the program's research objectives; Ensure compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position; Other duties as assigned

Requirements

PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment; Demonstrated research experience in one or more relevant areas, such as resolved stellar populations in nearby galaxies, star formation histories, stellar population analysis, and per-star and/or integrated-light spectral energy distribution (SED) modeling; Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific research while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary research teams across geographically distributed locations

Nice to have

Experience with color-magnitude diagram (CMD) fitting software and methodologies to derive star formation histories (SFHs); Experience with per-star and/or integrated-light spectral energy distribution (SED) modeling tools and methodologies; Experience analyzing JWST and/or HST imaging data

Benefits

Excellent benefits package; Paid time off; Retirement plan contributions; Competitive salary commensurate with experience; Very attractive work environment