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First Light Research Placement (opportunity for UCL MSci Students)

19 April 2022

Applications are invited for UCL undergraduate students who wish to be considered for an Undergraduate Research Placement in Galaxy Evolution with Professor Richard Ellis in the “First Light” Astronomy Group.

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Research Placement opportunity for MSci Students

Applications are invited for undergraduate students who wish to be considered for an Undergraduate Research Placement in Galaxy Evolution with Professor Richard Ellis in the “First Light” Astronomy Group: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/astrophysics/research/cosmology/first-light

Project Description

The main goal of the project is to undertake a census of high redshift galaxies, determine the ages of their stars and estimate when early galaxies first emerged from darkness. The project will involve analysing publicly-available deep imaging data taken with the Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. It is hoped that the research will lead to a scientific publication involving the student.

Work is expected to start in late May for a duration of 4 or 5 weeks. Working hours will be 30 hours per week.

Person Specification

Essential

  • To be in the course of obtaining a 4-year MSci. degree in Physics/Astrophysics
  • Demonstrated skills in computing and image processing
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

  • Proficiency with the Python or IDL languages
  • Experience with SeXtractor image processing tools
  • Basic experience of the Linux environment (Bash)
  • Ability to analyse and write up data and to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
  • Experience of working collaboratively in a research environment

Payment

Payment will be made on an As and When basis for work carried out (up to 30 hours per week), at the London Living Wage of £11.05 per hour. 

Application Procedure

If you wish to apply, please send a CV and covering letter to Professor Richard Ellis (richard.ellis@ucl.ac.uk). The deadline for applications is 13th May 2022.

All applications are welcome, but you cannot be considered for paid employment within the Department until you have applied and been accepted. Students on Tier 4 visas are able to apply but need to be aware of the working rights attached to their visa. See https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/immigration-visas/working-uk for further information.