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| Postdoctoral positions in gamma-ray astronomy at The University of Namibia, in association with The University of Oxford | Closing date: 2019-10-15
Contact: Michael Backes |
| The University of Namibia (UNAM) expects to offer at least two postdoctoral positions in gamma-ray astronomy, supported by an award from the UK Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) to the University of Oxford. The aim of this GCRF project is to develop astronomy in Namibia with specific focus on the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) gamma-ray observatory, in conjunction with related capacity-building activities in education and astronomy-related tourism. Funding is available for postdoctoral research positions at UNAM to participate in the project. | | ▸ more | The postdocs will primarily be expected to carry out a research programme, preferably related to gamma-ray astrophysics of active galaxies, and undertake some support duties at the H.E.S.S. observatory including observing shifts. They will also assist in the development of astronomy-related programmes in high-school education and tourism, in conjunction with UNAM staff and the Namibian tourism authorities. Possibilities for gaining teaching experience can also be discussed. The post-holders will be full members of the H.E.S.S. collaboration and will have access to travel funds to collaboration meetings in Europe and regional astronomy meetings in southern Africa. The posts have a gross salary of NAD 346,950 per annum with healthcare and social benefits included. The posts are available immediately and will run until 31 March 2021.
The University of Namibia (UNAM) is the largest and leading institution of higher education in the country. It is a diverse institution with a student population from 43 countries and from all continents. Although a relatively young university, it has grown to support a student population of over 27,000 students on 12 campuses.
The Department of Physics at UNAM is situated at its main campus in Windhoek and hosts the largest and most active astronomy group in southern Africa outside South Africa. Currently, the department hosts four senior and three junior academic staff together with several postgraduate students. The fields of activity are focused around gamma-ray astronomy of active galaxies, observational cosmology with SN Ia, computational cosmic ray propagation, occultation observations of TNOs, and site testing for astronomical facilities.
Besides being member institute to the H.E.S.S. collaboration and the CTA consortium, the Department of Physics is leading the national efforts towards the SKA and the African VLBI Network (AVN). Further, UNAM is founding partner of the Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) project to establish the first mm-wave radio telescope on the African continent to complement the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). Additionally, members of the Department have access to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and to an in-house HPC cluster. The department expects further expansion with the establishment of a research chair in multi-wavelength astronomy.
Candidates should have completed a Ph.D. in a relevant topic in astrophysics before commencing the posts. Applicants should send a CV (two pages) and description of research interests (three pages) to Ashling.Gordon @ physics.ox.ac.uk and arrange for two confidential reference letters to be sent to the same address. Consideration of applications will begin on 15/10/2019 and will continue until the posts are filled. Informal enquiries may be sent to Prof Garret Cotter garret.cotter @ physics.ox.ac.uk and Dr Michael Backes mbackes @ unam.na .
The University of Namibia is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
See also https://unam.jb.skillsmapafrica.com/Job/Index/34101
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