Job Description

Stellenbosch UniversityFaculty of ScienceDepartment of PhysicsAstrophysics Research GroupSenior Lecturer / Lecturer: Department of PhysicsRef. NW03/106/0524The Department of Physics is responsible for both teaching and research in physics at Stellenbosch University (SU) and offers an undergraduate physics degree as well as postgraduate degrees. It also has strong links with other faculties and schools and offers many service modules. The Department has established research programmes in photonics and laser physics, nuclear physics, theoretical physics and astrophysics. Details of the research programmes are available at https://www.sun.ac.za/physicsThe Department is seeking an energetic expert in astrophysics who can conduct research and teach in all areas of physics.The research focuses on connecting fundamental physics with astronomical observations and aims at understanding the fundamental laws of the Universe and unravelling the nature of dark matter and dark energy. In particular, epoch of reionisation, extragalactic astronomy, the early Universe, dark matter indirect detection, neutron stars and black holes are actively investigated. The research group is also heavily involved in South Africas MeerKAT, SKA, HERA telescopes, and several international projects such as LSST (Vera C. Rubin Observatory), FAST and CMB Stage-4.Duties:Teaching and coordinating undergraduate and postgraduate modules;Actively conducting research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals in a field aligned to one of the Departments research focus areas in astrophysics;Recruiting and supervising postgraduate students in astrophysics;Establishing a research group in a field aligned to one of the research focus areas in theDepartment, with strong involvement in either HERA telescope (Hydrogen Epoch Reionisation Array) or MeerKAT (SKA Precursor) telescope;Securing research funding;Participating in academically relevant departmental and Faculty activities, as required.Requirements:A PhD in physics, astronomy, or applied mathematics (with research focus on astrophysics or cosmology);Good verbal and written communication skills in English.For appointment as lecturer:Teaching experience in physics (as lecturer, or teaching assistant/tutor at tertiary level);An active research interest in astrophysics and kosmology, with particular emphasis on the epoch of reionisation, and Pulsar Timing Array.For appointment as senior lecturer:Proven ability and commitment to teaching physics at both undergraduate and postgraduate level;Evidence of recent research in astrophysics and cosmology, with particular emphasis on the epoch of reionisation, and Pulsar Timing Array;Evidence of a sustained publication output as first author in high quality international journals;Proof of successful postgraduate supervision as main supervisor, at least at masters level;Proven ability to seek external funding.Applicants invited for interviews will be expected to present a lecture on their recent research to demonstrate their knowledge and communication skills.Recommendations:Postdoctoral research experience in academia, or relevant research experience in industry.

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