KAVLI INSTITUTE FOR ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS, PEKING UNIVERSITY

The Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (KIAA) at Peking University (PKU), Beijing, China invites applications for up to 10 postdoctoral research positions to participate in the Black hole-Host Lifecycle Evolution (BHOLE) project. The term of the appointment is for two years, with possible extension up to four years, subject to availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

BHOLE is a large, long-term program funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, devoted to four areas related to the general theme of the coevolution of supermassive black holes and galaxies: (1) measurement of black hole masses in active galaxies, (2) study of physical properties (stars, gas, dust, star formation rate) of host galaxies, (3) search for and systematic characterization of high-redshift quasars, and (4) theoretical investigation of the physics of the central engine (accretion disk, outflows, feedback) of active galaxies. The project, led by Luis C. Ho, is a collaboration of 17 core investigators from six institutions in China (KIAA, Institute of High-energy Physics, National Astronomical Observatory of China, Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Nanjing University, and University of Science and Technology of China). For more details, see: http://kiaa.pku.edu.cn/bhole/

We seek qualified applicants with observational expertise in, but not limited to, the following areas: optical spectroscopy and photometry, HST imaging, single-dish and interferometric radio and mm/submm observations of (neutral and molecular) gas and dust, modeling of infrared (Spitzer, Herschel) spectral energy distributions, and X-ray data analysis. For theory, we seek applicants with experience in numerical simulations, as well as analytic and semi-analytic techniques. The following is the list of projects currently available.

• Numerical simulation study of AGN feedback and black hole accretion
• X-ray View of Growing Supermassive Black Holes and Their Connections to the Host Galaxies
• Observational Properties of High-redshift Quasars and Galaxies
• Variabilities of Super-Eddington Accreting AGNs
• Comparing Simulations of AGN Feedback with X-ray Observations
• Broadband Photometric Reverberation Mapping of AGNs/Quasars
• Formation and evolution of massive black holes
• Tracing the evolutionary transition between obscured and un-obscured quasars
• Mass and spin evolution of supermassive black holes: constraints from multi-wavelength observations of QSOs and AGNs
• Observations of Feedback from Luminous Quasars at Different Cosmic Epochs
• Observations and Modeling of the Spectral Energy Distributions of AGNs

Applicants should state their preference for which research topic(s) they wish to be considered. The recruitment of postdoctoral researchers for the entire BHOLE project will be coordinated by KIAA. Depending on the research topic, successful applicants may reside at KIAA or at one of the other five institutions affiliated with the project.

With English as its working language, KIAA is an intellectual platform for scientific exchange. KIAA is engaged in national and international theoretical and observational initiatives, development and use of facilities, and student training, pursued in partnerships with other Kavli institutes and a network of domestic and international astronomy centers. KIAA regularly sponsors thematic workshops and conferences. The KIAA and Department of Astronomy have about 25 faculty, 30 postdoctoral fellows, 50 graduate students, 120 undergraduates, and many visiting scholars. For more information on this and other potential postdoctoral opportunities, see http://kiaa.pku.edu.cn/opportunities/postdoc

RANK: Postdoctoral fellow.

SALARY: Depending on qualifications and experience.

START DATE: January/April/July/October 1 2018

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, planetary sciences or related fields completed or expected by effective date, and a demonstrated record of research excellence. PKU is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of any nationality are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should submit the following by email to shuyan@pku.edu.cn: CV, brief summary of research experience, plan of future research, and at least three confidential letters of recommendation.

DEADLINE: Applications received prior to November 30, 2017, will receive full consideration.

CONTACT FOR INQUIRIES:

Shuyan Liu

Email: shuyan@pku.edu.cn

Tel: +86 10 6275-6630

Fax: +86 10 6276 7900

http://kiaa.pku.edu.cn