The University of California, Santa Barbara and Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope (LCOGT) seek a postdoctoral scientist with skills in observational transient or time variable astronomy. Current areas of concentration include the study of extrasolar planets, supernovae, and solar system objects. LCOGT is a member of several research projects, including the Palomar Transient Factory, Pan-STARRS1, LaSilla-QUEST, and LSST. Individual LCOGT scientists are also involved in Kepler, WASP, HATNet, Robonet, and the Supernova Legacy Survey. The successful candidate will contribute to the overall mission of the observatory -- the creation of a worldwide network of robotic telescopes specializing in time domain astronomy. The postdoc will be affiliated with and have offices at both UCSB and LCOGT and have access to the observing resources of both institutions. They will also benefit from proximity to the Kavli Institute for Theoretical
Physics.
LCOGT is a privately funded global robotic observatory network, which operates the two 2 meter Faulkes Telescopes in Haleakala, Hawaii, and Siding Spring, Australia, one 1m telescope at McDonald Observatory, and three 1m telescopes at CTIO. By early 2013 three more 1m telescopes will be at the South African Astronomical Observatory, and two more at Siding Spring. The two meters have CCD imagers, high-speed / lucky imagers, and robotic low resolution (FLOYDS) spectrographs. The 1m telescopes have imagers and will soon have high resolution (NRES) spectrographs.
Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and research statement, and should arrange to have three letters of reference sent to the above address. Electronic PDF submissions preferred. Applications complete by December 31, 2012 will receive full consideration. A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline is required. The term of this position is 2 years, with possible extension for a third year. The UCSB 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
