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.

Candidates should have a PhD in astronomy, physics, or engineering within the last 5 years. There will also be the opportunity to work on astrophysics with existing GPI data, on planning and scientific support of the WFIRST coronagraph and 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.

The GPI2 collaboration includes Stanford (overall performance), Cornell (operations and software), UC San Diego (Pyramid Sensor), Notre Dame (spectrograph and integration and testing), and there are postdoctoral opportunities at several institutions. 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.

Please submit your application materials at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/14524. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae including a publication list, a 3-page statement of research experience and interests, and arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation submitted to the same site. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 15, 2019. Late applications will be considered at the discretion of the search committee.

More information about KIPAC can be found at http://kipac.stanford.edu/. KIPAC is committed to an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from candidates who will diversify the workforce in astrophysics and cosmology.