Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position on CONCERTO at LAM, Marseille. CONCERTO is a new spectrometer to map in 3-D the intensity due to line emission, a technique known as Intensity Mapping. Capitalizing on a recent technology breakthrough, CONCERTO will measure the 3-D fluctuations of the atomic Carbon [CII] line at redshifts 4.5<z<8.5, a crucial period in star formation history.

CONCERTO aims to answer the questions of whether dusty star-formation contributes to early galaxy evolution, and whether dusty galaxies play an important role in shaping cosmic reionization.

It will be installed in January 2021, on the APEX telescope in the Atacama desert in Chile. It will cover the frequency range 120-360 GHz. The dedicated [CII] survey will provide a spatial spectral data cube in which intensity is mapped as a function of sky position and frequency. The 3-D fluctuations are then studied in Fourier space with the power spectrum. Our survey will also be sensitive to CO fluctuations at z<2. While this is a chance for investigating the star formation and gas content of galaxies at lower redshift, it is also a bright foreground signal for [CII], that needs to be removed.

The postdoc will develop and/or test foreground removal methods and power-spectrum codes necessary to analyze the [CII] science data. She/He will relate the measurements to the underlying physical theory. Finally, she/he will participate to the commissioning and observations in Chile.

The position is funded for 2(+1) years by an European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant.

Candidates should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field. The starting date is expected to be no later than autumn 2020; earlier dates may be possible. The LAM provides a stimulating work environment. Remuneration will depend on qualification and experience.

Applications should consist of a cover letter, a brief statement of research interests, a curriculum vitae including publication list, and three letters of recommendation. The entire application (but the recommandation letters that can be sent separately) should be submitted electronically, as a single PDF file, to the email address concerto-applications@lam.fr.

Included Benefits

The successful applicant will be an employee of Protisvalor, a subsidiary of Aix-Marseille University and will receive a comprehensive package of benefits, including an extended health insurance, life insurance, 18 luncheon vouchers per month of 8.50 euros each, and the reimbursement of 50% of public transportation fees.

Related URLs: https://mission.lam.fr/concerto/

Application Deadline: January 13, 2020

Selection Deadline: January 27, 2020