The Department of Astronomy at the University of Wisconsin - Madison announces the Grainger Postdoctoral Fellowship. The Fellowship provides opportunities for outstanding independent postdoctoral research on problems that are broadly related to the scientific interests of the department. The current departmental areas of expertise include observational, experimental and theoretical research in: stellar astrophysics and star formation, the interstellar and intergalactic media, extragalactic astrophysics, cosmology, plasma astrophysics, high energy astrophysics, and astronomical instrumentation.
The successful applicant will join the vibrant astronomy community at the University of Wisconsin and is expected to reside in Madison, WI. The Department has a 26% share of the WIYN (Wisconsin-Indiana-Yale-NOAO) 3.5m and 0.9m telescopes on Kitt Peak and a 15% share of the 11m Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) in South Africa. The University of Wisconsin is home of GLIMPSE (Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-Plane Survey Extraordinaire), a Spitzer Space Telescope Legacy program mapping the stellar structure of the Milky Way.
The duration of the fellowship is up to three years including an initial appointment of one year, and two annual renewals contingent on satisfactory performance. The annual stipend is approximately $60,000 plus benefits, with an additional allowance of $12,000 per year for travel and other research costs. For theoretically oriented candidates with interests in high performance computing, time on the theory group's cluster will be made available.
The program is open to applicants of all nationalities who have earned a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related discipline. Recent PhD recipients are especially encouraged to apply. The exact start date is negotiable. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, bibliography, and a statement of research interests and plans (limited to four pages, including figures and references) via the website https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/1975. In addition, they should arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be submitted separately using the same web page. Applications received by December 15, 2012 are guaranteed full consideration.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality.
