Stanford - MIT Postdoctoral Positions in X-ray Astrophysics and Instrumentation

The Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research (MKI), are seeking two Ph.D. scientists for postdoctoral positions in X-ray astronomy and instrumentation. The positions are for four years, with the possibility to be based at Stanford, MIT, or jointly across the institutes. They offer a competitive salary, benefits and research funds.

The positions will offer the opportunity to participate in the development of novel algorithms to detect and reconstruct X-ray events in next-generation, large area detectors, aiming to reduce the cosmic-ray induced background signal and improve the accuracy of photon energy measurements. The new researchers will join the collaborating teams at Stanford and MIT working in support of the Athena X-ray Observatory and future NASA missions. They will also be able to pursue research in other areas of X-ray astronomy, including, but not limited to, studies of galaxy clusters, AGN, black holes and neutron stars.

Researchers based at Stanford would join the KIPAC X-ray Astronomy and Observational Cosmology group (http://web.stanford.edu/group/xoc). At MIT, they would join a group working on a broad range of topics in observational X-ray astrophysics and instrumentation (https://space.mit.edu/research-groups/mark-bautz-research-group), and would have access to the twin 6.5m Magellan telescopes and to guaranteed observing time on the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Researchers at either institute will have access to extensive computing facilities available at Stanford and MIT.

KIPAC is a joint institute between Stanford University and SLAC, with a broad program in cosmology and astrophysics and excellent connections to theory and experiment. The institute is involved in the development of X-ray and gamma-ray satellite missions, ground and space-based cosmic microwave background experiments, direct dark matter detection experiments and exoplanet research facilities. SLAC is the DOE host laboratory for the Rubin Observatory and its Legacy Survey of Space and Time, and the Rubin US Data Facility.

MKI serves as the intellectual home of MIT faculty, research staff and students engaged in space- and ground-based astrophysics. MKI plays major roles in the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), the Magellan Observatory, the Neutron-Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). MKI researchers are also involved in development of new X-ray, optical/IR, and ground-based radio facilities, as well as in related technology development.

Candidates should have or expect to receive a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics by Fall 2022. They should be experienced with astronomical X-ray observations and data reduction. Experience with machine learning is desirable though not required.

Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae including a publication list, and a 3-page statement of research interests and plans, and arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted to the same site. We encourage applicants, as a component of their research statement or cover letter, to discuss their experience with or commitment to engaging in mentoring, outreach, teaching, fostering inclusive environments, or activities that diversify the field.

The deadline for applications is November 1, 2021. Late applications will be considered at the discretion of the search committee. More information about KIPAC can be found at https://kipac.stanford.edu and about the MIT Kavli Institute at https://space.mit.edu. Stanford and MIT are committed to an inclusive work environment and encourage applications from candidates that will diversify the workforce in astrophysics and cosmology. Informal enquiries about these positions can be directed to Prof. Steve Allen ([email protected]) and Dr. Mark Bautz ([email protected]).