Research Associate Position

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds (CEHW), at the Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Research Associate in area of the formation,  detection, and characterization of extrasolar planets. The successful applicant will work with Prof. Eric Ford in the analysis and the interpretation of data from NASA’s Kepler mission and planet formation theory.  The position is for two years with a possibility of extension for one more year.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Astronomy and two or more years of postdoctoral experience, as well as a strong publication record including experience in the analysis of Kepler data, interpretation of transit timing variations, planetary orbital dynamics and the dynamics of dust grains in presence of gas, radiation and magnetic fields.  Applicants should have significant programming experience, including C, Fortran, parallel programming, IDL, Perl and Unix shell scripts.  Current information on research and other activities can be found at http://www.astro.psu.edu.  Inquiries: Eric Ford [email protected].
 Applications including a cover letter, a CV, statement of research interests, list of publications, and names of three references, should be sent to Ms. Heather Lowe, 525 Davey Lab, University Park, PA 16802 or via email to [email protected] by April 11, 2014. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to apply.   Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.