The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Department of Physics and Astronomy invites postdoctoral applicants to work in the group of incoming Prof. Richard Anantua on new frontiers in the high-energy astrophysics of jet/accretion flow/black hole (JAB) systems. Research topics include phenomenological modeling of particle acceleration mechanisms, plasma microphysics in active galactic nuclei and general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations. The research program focuses on targets of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT)-- a revolutionary instrument producing the first horizon-scale images around a supermassive black hole in 2019 from the giant elliptical galaxy M87. Near-horizon polarized EHT images followed shortly after in 2021. The EHT network includes telescopes throughout the world, such as the Atacama Large mm-submm Array (ALMA), South Pole Telescope, Greenland Telescope, Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT on Sierra Negra, Mexico) and Submillimeter Telescope (SMT, on Mt. Graham, Arizona). In addition to working in the EHT Theory and Simulations Group, Prof. Anantua coordinates the EHT Outreach Group, maintaining connections with the scientific press for the publicization of major results via press releases. The Anantua Group also fosters partnerships with diverse organizations such as the National Society of Black Physicists and National Society of Hispanic Physicists.
The appointment includes a $60,000 salary and benefits for two years. Preferred applicants will have familiarity with classical electrodynamics, radiative astrophysical processes, plasma physics, general relativity and research computing (with potential applications for the Texas Advanced Computing Cluster (TACC)).
Applications must include 1.) a CV, 2.) a research statement (2-4 pages); 3.) 2-3 letters of recommendation; 4.) and a personal statement (1-3 pages) including experiences bearing upon STEM outreach and/or diversity.
The anticipated starting time of the appointment is Summer or Fall 2022. Applications must be submitted to [email protected] by Mar 29, 2022 for full consideration.
