Postdoctoral Research Position in Exoplanet Imaging and Adaptive Optics at the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) at Stanford University

The Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) at Stanford University seeks recent Ph.D. scientists for a postdoctoral research position in exoplanet imaging and adaptive optics. The position will involve work on the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI), particularly the planned upgrade of GPI and its recomissioning at Gemini North. GPI is an advanced adaptive optics coronagraph that has recently completed a large-scale survey of young stars in the southern hemisphere. The upgrade will incorporate a EMCCD pyramid sensor, new real-time controller, new coronagraph masks, focal-plane speckle estimation, and new modes for the integral field spectrograph. Stanford’s role will focus on optical simulation, adaptive optics control, wavefront calibration, and integrated performance modeling and testing.

Candidates should have a PhD in astronomy, physics, or engineering within the last 5 years. There will also be the opportunity to work with existing GPI data and planning science for other future exoplanet imaging missions, and to maintain an independent research program. Knowledge of adaptive optics, exoplanet imaging, or astronomical instrumentation will be an asset. Ability to work well in a collaborative project and clearly document results is critical.Contact Bruce Macintosh ([email protected]) for further information.

The positions offer excellent benefits (https://postdocbenefits.stanford.edu) and salary and are generally made for a term of three years.

Applicants should apply at the AJO site for KIPAC Postdoctoral Fellowships, and indicate an interest in the EXOPLANET position in the checkbox when they apply. Application materials should be submitted at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/16671.  Review of applications will begin Friday, October 30, 2020.

More information about KIPAC can be found here. KIPAC is committed to an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from candidates who will diversify the workforce in astrophysics and cosmology.