Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow in Gravitational Microlensing

Job Description:

Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science

Te Kura Matū | School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Fixed term position (2.25 years)

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā! He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Postdoctoral Fellow? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
The successful applicant will be expected to carry out research in collaboration with Associate Professor Michael Albrow, students, and external colleagues on the analysis of gravitational microlensing data from the NASA’s Roman Galactic Bulge Time Domain Survey (GBTDS). The main focus of the research will be to detect and characterize dark lensing objects such as free-floating planets and black holes on an individual and population level basis. The position is available to start during 2027.

Mōu | Who You Are
You must have a PhD in Astronomy or a closely related field. Applicants should have strong and demonstrated scientific programming and data analysis skills. Experience working with microlensing data is preferred, although applicants with expertise in other time domain astronomy or large astronomical data sets are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
The Te Kura Matū School of Physical and Chemical Sciences is a thriving community with a legacy spanning 150 years of academic excellence. Amongst the largest Schools within the University, we are driven by our collective commitment to search for innovative solutions that address the problems and challenges both within New Zealand and the World.

Our School boasts a vibrant tapestry of individuals, encompassing academic, technical, and administrative professionals from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. United by our shared purpose, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.

Immersed within the Rutherford Regional Science and Innovation Centre (RRSIC), our laboratories thrive amidst state-of-the-art teaching and research infrastructure. Furthermore, our association with the broader university opens doors to other exceptional research and computational facilities, enhancing the depth of exploration.

The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences offers a spectrum of majors including Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences. Our research endeavours are channelled through five central themes: Sustainability and the Environment, New Materials, Nanotechnology and Laser Physics, Energy and Storage, and Astronomy and Astrophysics, as well as Human, Animal, and Plant Health.

By joining our School, you will be a part of pioneering initiatives that shape the future of scientific discovery and leave an indelible mark on the world.

For more information about our team, please visit us at Physical and Chemical Sciences | University of Canterbury

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.

The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements
• Supportive working environment
• Generous annual leave provisions and competitive salary
• Professional development opportunities
• A unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff club at discounted rates plus onsite café’s and eateries, and more

For more information, please visit: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit www.canterbury.ac.nz

The closing date for this position is: 31 October 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Applications will be reviewed as received and until the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include:

• A cover letter detailing your motivation in applying for the position and your relevant expertise
• A resume
• Contact details for two nominated referees

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to [email protected]

Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Associate Professor Michael Albrow ([email protected]) for further information or with any questions, please subject the email ‘Postdoctoral fellow in Gravitational Microlensing’.

The salary for a Post-Doctoral Fellow for this position is NZ$89,608 p.a. The nominal start is March – September 2027 but some flexibility is possible.

Please Note: Candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant Doctoral qualification, will also be considered. Upon appointment, if the Doctoral qualification is yet to be awarded, the title of Research Associate will be applied and the salary will reflect the Research Associate salary scale.

Appointable salary for a Research Associate will be $74,770 p.a.

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.