Category: Observation

Research Associate in Experimental Astrophysics on Exoplanets (Fixed Term)

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Current state: Approved
Department: Astrophysics Group
City: Cambridge
State/Province: Cambridgeshire
Category: ,
Country: UK
Contact Person: Karen Scrivener
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Cambridge University
Application Due Date: Wednesday, December 31 2014
Web Link: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/5175/

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.The Astrophysics Group of the Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the Exoplanet Research Team of Professor Queloz.The team is involved in observation programmes and active in the development of instrumentation for the detection and characterisation of planets. http://www.mrao.cam.ac.uk/research/exoplanets/

The post holder will be expected to conduct independent research programmes and to actively participate in the exploitation of the NGTS experiment and the activity of the consortium. The candidate must be familiar with the exoplanet field of research and data analysis in general. Experience with astronomical equipment, CCD detectors and precise photometry is desirable.

Other exoplanet research programmes are additionally being carried out at the Institute of Astronomy and in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. Opportunities of collaboration and exchanges with researchers of other departments are encouraged. A Cambridge Exoplanet Research Centre has been recently established to stimulate and promote collaboration between all these teams working on various aspects of exoplanet research.

Applicants should have a PhD in Experimental Astronomy, Physics or another relevant scientific discipline. They should have a proven track record in astronomy research, and scientific exploitation of data.

On appointment, the post-holder will be based at the Battcock Centre for Experimental Astrophysics at the Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics (J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE). Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Further information may be obtained from Mrs Karen Scrivener, Astrophysics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, tel: (01223) 337294, or by email: [email protected].

Please quote reference KA04475 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Early Mars Postdoc at University of Chicago

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Current state: Approved
Department: Geophysical Sciences
City: Chicago
State/Province: Illinois
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Edwin Kite
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Chicago
Application Due Date: Saturday, December 20 2014
Web Link: http://geosci.uchicago.edu/~kite/proposals/

Department of the Geophysical Sciences at The University of Chicago
seeks to hire a postdoctoral researcher to support investigations of
the early climate of Mars through analysis of Mars topography and
forward modeling of topographic change. The successful candidate will
work with Assistant Professor Edwin Kite to assemble, analyze, and
model crater-modification and crater-infilling datasets. Candidates
should have a background in Planetary Science, Earth Science, or
Astrophysics, and have experience working with large datasets.
Experience with Mars is helpful but is not required. Start date is
flexible. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to
develop a program of independent research aligned with the objectives
of the group as exemplified by the projects listed at:
 
http://geosci.uchicago.edu/~kite/proposals/
 
as well as to mentor undergraduate students.
 
The University of Chicago hosts a vibrant planets and exoplanets
research program, with particular emphasis on potentially habitable
planets:
 
http://geosci.uchicago.edu/planetary-science-planetary-atmospheres-and-e…
 
Application materials should be received by December 20 for full
consideration. Applicants should send a CV, a brief description of
research interests and experience, and the names of three referees as
a single PDF file to [email protected]. Please direct informal
inquiries about this post to Edwin Kite ([email protected]).

Post Doctoral Scientist- NEO Follow Up – LCOGT

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City: Goleta
State/Province: CA
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Maida Smith
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Las Cumbres Observatory/UCSB
Application Due Date: Sunday, August 31 2014

The Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, Inc. (LCOGT) and University of California, Santa Barbara seek a postdoctoral scientist to work on follow up of Near Earth Objects (NEOs).  The ideal candidate should have demonstrated expertise in observations of Solar System objects and experience with software development.  This position is funded by a grant from NASA to 1) develop and exploit the global telescope network of LCOGT for NEO follow-up; 2) lead photometric and spectroscopic characterization of NEOs; and 3) assist in the creation of a web-based environment for Solar System investigations by citizen scientists. The successful candidate will also contribute to the overall mission of the observatory – the creation of a worldwide network of robotic telescopes specializing in time domain astronomy. The postdoc has the option to be affiliated with UCSB and have offices at both UCSB and LCOGT and have access to the observing resources of both institutions. They can also benefit from proximity to the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics.  The desired start date for this position is October 1st, 2014.

 

LCOGT is a privately funded global robotic observatory network, which operates ten 1 meter and two 2 meter robotic telescopes.  The 2 meter Faulkes Telescopes in Haleakala, Hawaii, and Siding Spring, Australia feature imagers and robotic FLOYDS low-resolution spectrographs.  The 1 meter telescopes have imagers and are located at McDonald Observatory in Texas, CTIO in Chile, Siding Spring in Australia, and SAAO in South Africa.

 

Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and research statement, and should arrange to have three letters of reference sent to [email protected].  Electronic PDF submissions are preferred. Applications complete by August 31, 2014 will receive full consideration. A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline is required.  The term of this position is 3 years.  The Department of Physics and LCOGT are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research.  LCOGT and UCSB are equal opportunity employers.

 

This position has the option to be held as an employee of UCSB and thus receive the UCSB benefit package for Postdoctoral Scholars or held as a direct employee of LCOGT with similar benefits.  For further information on UCSB benefits, go to:  http://hr.ucsb.edu/benefits/postdoctoral-scholars and reference Title Code 3252.

 

Near-Earth Object Observer

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Department: Astronomy
City: Chicago
State/Province: IL
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Human Resources
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Adler Planetarium
Application Due Date: Wednesday, October 01 2014

The Adler Planetarium (Chicago, IL) seeks an Observer to conduct follow-up imaging and physical characterization of near-Earth objects in a major new effort using the ARC 3.5-meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory. This position will be based in Chicago at the Adler. Applicants for this position must have their Bachelors degree in Astronomy, Planetary Science or a related field preferably with experience in ground-based optical observing. The successful applicant will be the primary observer for frequent nighttime sessions in imaging and reflectance spectroscopy via remote observing, and will conduct a limited amount of data reduction and analysis. In addition they will spend 10% time on education and outreach activities related to their research work. The initial appointment will be for two years with a possible extension dependent on successful performance and availability of funding, starting no later than October 1, 2014. Applications will be accepted until position filled.

 

To apply, send resume to:

Human Resources

[email protected]

 

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

REQ: AST150

Mars Magnetic Fields and Upper Atmosphere Postdoctoral Researchers

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Department: Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory (GSFC); Dept. of Astronomy (UMD)
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Tracy Huard
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA-GSFC/CRESST/University of Maryland
Application Due Date: Friday, May 23 2014
Web Link: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/

Applications are now being accepted for two Postdoctoral Research Associates, funded through the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST), to work in the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in the area of Mars magnetic fields and upper atmosphere investigations using data from the MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission.

The MAVEN spacecraft arrives at Mars in September 2014.  MAVEN will study the upper atmosphere and ionosphere, atmospheric interaction with the Sun and solar wind, and the loss of atmosphere to space. Both candidates will work on site at GSFC with scientists in the Solar System Exploration Division. One candidate will work directly with the Magnetometer Investigation, participating in data analysis and scientific studies, leading to publication of results in scientific journals. Prior experience with magnetometer data, disciplined programming skills (primarily Fortran and IDL), and scientific writing experience are desired.  Another candidate will work closely with the MAVEN Project Scientist on analysis of the interaction between the Mars upper atmosphere/ionosphere and solar inputs, taking full advantage of data returned by the MAVEN spacecraft’s science payload.

The MAVEN primary mission will last one Earth year from the start of the science mapping phase in November, with an expectation that there may be an extended mission.  The appointment will be initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal in subsequent years.  Applicants may be at first year post-doc level or may be more senior.

Candidates for either position should have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline with prior experience conducting scientific research related to the Maven science objectives or the types of instruments included in the MAVEN science payload.  IDL skills and experience in acquisition and analysis of data from space flight instruments are highly desirable.

Minority candidates are encouraged to apply. Each applicant should send a Curriculum Vita, list of publications, statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to:

MAVEN
CRESST/UMCP
Mail Code 660.8, NASA/GSFC
Greenbelt, MD  20771, or
Via e-mail to [email protected]

Information regarding the MAVEN mission is found at http://lasp.colorado.edu/maven and http://www.nasa.gov/maven .  Information on the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory is found at http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/solarsystem/magnetospheres .  For information on CRESST and the University of Maryland’s Department of Astronomy, please contact Tracy Huard ([email protected]).  The position is available immediately.

The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer.  All applications received by May 23, 2014 will receive full consideration.

Jovian Magnetic Field and Magnetosphere Post-doc Researchers

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Department: Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory (GSFC); Dept. of Astronomy (UMD)
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Tracy Huard
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA-GSFC/CRESST/University of Maryland
Application Due Date: Friday, September 26 2014
Web Link: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/#Juno

Applications are now being accepted for a Postdoctoral Research Associate, funded through the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST), to work in the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in the area of Jupiter’s magnetic field and magnetosphere, using data from the Juno (New Frontier) mission.

The Juno spacecraft arrives at Jupiter in July 2016. Juno is the first spacecraft to explore Jupiter from a close-in, polar orbit, seeking to unlock secrets about its origin and the origin of the solar system. Juno will probe deep into Jupiter’s interior by mapping the giant planet’s magnetic and gravity fields, peering well below the clouds to determine atmospheric composition, with particular interest in water abundance. Juno will also conduct a study of the polar magnetosphere and auroral phenomena, with fields and particles instruments and both infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers among the payload. Juno’s Magnetic Field Investigation (MAG) employs two identical measurement platforms occupying a 4-meter magnetometer boom mounted at the outer end of one of Juno’s three solar arrays. Each MAG optical bench supports a high-accuracy vector fluxgate magnetometer and a pair of star camera sensors for precision inertial attitude reference. These data and the global coverage of Jupiter provided by the mission plan will result in a detailed model of the Jovian internal field and an unprecedented view of the dynamo.

The selectee will work on site at GSFC in the Solar System Exploration Division as a member of the Juno Magnetometer Investigation Team, participating in data analysis and scientific studies, leading to publication of results in scientific journals. Candidates for this position should have a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline with prior experience conducting scientific research.  Experience with magnetometer instrumentation and data, disciplined programming skills (primarily Fortran and IDL), and scientific writing experience are desired.  

The appointment will be initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal in subsequent years.  Applicants may be new postdocs or may be more senior.  Minority candidates are encouraged to apply. Each applicant should send a Curriculum Vita, list of publications, statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to:

Juno Magnetometer
CRESST/UMCP
Mail Code 660.8, NASA/GSFC
Greenbelt, MD  20771, or
Via e-mail to [email protected]

Information regarding the Juno mission is found at http://missionjuno.swri.edu/ and http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/juno/main/ .  Information on the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory is found at http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/solarsystem/magnetospheres/ .  For information on CRESST and the UMCP’s Department of Astronomy, please contact Tracy Huard ([email protected]).  The position will remain open until filled.

The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer.  All applications received by September 26, 2014 will receive full consideration.

Two tenure-track positions in Amsterdam for exoplanetary research

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Department: Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy
City: Amsterdam
Category: , , ,
Country: Netherlands
Contact Person: Carsten Dominik and Avri Selig
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Amsterdam and SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research
Application Due Date: Thursday, May 15 2014

Two Tenure-track positions for exoplanetary research and instrumentation at the Anton Pannekoek
Institute for Astronomy of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and at SRON Netherlands Institute for
Space Research. The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy at the University of Amsterdam
has a long tradition of excellence in astronomical research, including a strong program on star and planet
formation. It is part of the Dutch Top Research School NOVA. At SRON Netherlands Institute for Space
Research specialists from various disciplines work together to push back the frontiers of technology and with
this to advance the boundaries of scientific knowledge. SRON is considered to be a global leader in the area of
earth and space science, due to the space instruments it develops for the satellites of ESA, NASA and JAXA.

The UvA and SRON are seeking to fill two tenure-track positions in the field of exoplanetary research, in
order to start a close collaboration in this area. In the context of a large reshaping of the research
landscape in Amsterdam, the University of Amsterdam and the Free University are intensifying their
collaboration in Natural Sciences, creating one of the largest concentrations in Europe. Research into

exoplanets and the connections with System Earth will be a strong focus of research on the Science Park
campus. In addition, SRON/Utrecht is planning to relocate from its current location in Utrecht to a new
building in the Science Park in Amsterdam. In order to build a new area of joint research between SRON
and the astronomy department of the universities in Amsterdam and other universities, we are looking for

1. An observational astronomer with strong abilities to work with existing ESO and other
internationally competitive instrumentation on the detection and in particular characterization
of exoplanets. The candidate will have an exceptionally strong research program in this area and should
be able to connect both to the research on protoplanetary disks and planet formation at the University of
Amsterdam and to instrumentation efforts at SRON.

2. A planetary atmosphere modelling expert with strong abilities for the analysis and modelling
of exoplanet observations. The candidate is expected to build up strong ties with international
instrumentation teams in the field of the conception and scientific optimization of new ground based and
in particular space based instrumentation.

Both candidates are required to have a PhD in (astro)physics and should have proven capabilities to build
up a research group of internationally outstanding level. Scientists at both institutions have access to
national funding lines, e.g. the “Vernieuwings Impuls” at the Dutch research organization NWO, as well as 

European funding lines like ERC grants and FP7 programs and networks.

The selected candidates will be offered a tenure track appointment at UvA or SRON. The salary will be at
assistant/associate professor equivalent levels based primarily on previous experience.
Letters of application (including resume, research and teaching statements, publication list highlighting
five characteristic ones) and (separately) three letters of reference should be sent to
[email protected] before 15 May 2014. Applications will continue to be considered until the
position is filled.
Comprehensive benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, 13th month, disability insurance, maternity and
parental leave, affordable health insurance, and retirement benefits.
For further enquiries contact: Prof.Dr. Carsten Dominik ([email protected]) and Dr. Avri Selig
([email protected]).

 

Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy

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Department: Physics
City: Sherman
State/Province: TX
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: David Baker
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Austin College
Application Due Date: Friday, November 15 2013
Web Link: http://www.austincollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Physics-Astronomy-Ad-HR-TT-FA14-FINAL-FINAL.pdf

Austin College’s Department of Physics invites applications for a full-time tenure track position in Physics and Astronomy beginning Fall 2014. We seek an enthusiastic individual to help build an exciting program in Astronomy using Austin College’s new Adams Observatory. The successful candidate will have strong commitments to innovative teaching in a liberal arts environment and an active research program involving undergraduates. Teaching responsibilities will include Physics and Astronomy courses at all undergraduate levels, and contributions to college-wide programs. (For additional information see www.austincollege.edu/hr)

A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or closely related field is required; post-doctoral experience and/or previous teaching experience is highly desirable. Candidates should include a letter of application, curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts, three letters of reference, a 1-page statement of teaching philosophy and a 2-page description of research interests. Submit materials on-line at http://www.austincollege.edu/67500/astronomy/ . References can be submitted directly at http://www.austincollege.edu/67377/reference/. Review of applications begins November 15, 2013 and continues until position is filled. Austin College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Opportunity: Postdoctoral Scholar at Caltech/JPL

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Department: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
City: Pasadena
State/Province: CA
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Paul Hayne
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: California Institute of Technology
Application Due Date: Monday, December 02 2013
Web Link: http://kiss.caltech.edu/fellowships/

Caltech’s Keck Institute for Space Studies is accepting applications for a postdoctoral position in the field of planetary science in connection with an ongoing study entitled “New Approaches to Lunar Ice Detection and Mapping” (link). The objective of the project will be to collect and compare available spacecraft and telescope remote sensing data with the goal of forming a coherent picture of the distribution and nature of lunar ice deposits to help guide future exploration activities. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Planetary Science, Physics, Astronomy or related fields, and have experience working with large multidimensional datasets. The successful applicant will be based at either Caltech campus or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

For more information about the KISS postdoctoral program, and to apply, see: http://kiss.caltech.edu/fellowships/

To request information on the lunar ice study and postdoctoral
opportunity, contact: Paul Hayne ([email protected])

Postdoc on the MAVEN Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph

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Current state: Approved
Department: LASP
City: Boulder
State/Province: CO
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Nick Schneider
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: U. Colorado
Application Due Date: Tuesday, December 31 2013
Web Link: https://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/72504

 The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate position working with the Imaging UltraViolet Spectrograph (IUVS) team. IUVS is an instrument on board the MAVEN mission (Mars Volatile and Atmosphere EvolutioN), slated for launch in November 2013. Minimum qualification is Ph.D. in Planetary Science or related field. Responsibilities and duties include: 
(1) Numerical modeling of the Mars atmosphere, including atmospheric structure, photochemistry, escape and emission spectroscopy; (2) Preparation of automated data processing pipelines and observation plans; (3) Operations support during cruise and on-orbit operations; (4) Analysis of data obtained and publication of scientific results. Please view the online application process at https://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/72504. For more information, please contact Nick Schneider, [email protected].