Postdoctoral Researcher, Astronomy

Applications are invited for postdoctoral positions to work on infrared science using data obtained from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) at the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)  Science Mission Operations center at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California.

The positions is for a period of two years, with a possible third-year extension contingent on performance and funding.

Funding is available for travel to conferences, visiting collaborators, equipment, and publications.

Position Summary:

The postdoctoral scholars will work in the following scientific areas: 

• Birth of Stars and Planets: determine the role of metallicity in the formation of stars, determine the role of magnetic fields, turbulence, and feedback in star and planet formation.
• Nearby galaxies: study dust evolution of nearby low metallicity galaxies

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Successful candidates will use data from JWST’s suite of instruments which do imaging and spectroscopy in the near- and mid-infrared.  
• Experience in point source extraction in crowded fields, IFU spectroscopy, multi-object spectroscopy,  or near- or mid-infrared spectroscopy will be useful to know or learn in the position. 
• Successful candidates will also be encouraged to use new or archival data from SOFIA’s suite of instruments, which do polarimetry, spectroscopy, and imaging in the mid- and far-infrared. 
• Applicants must have a Ph.D. in astronomy or a closely related field as well as previous experience in astronomical observing and/or modeling leading to publications in refereed journals. Experience in infrared observing and/or modeling is highly desirable but not required.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• PhD in Astronomy, or related field

Experience:

• Experience with astronomical observing and/or modeling.
• Good track record of publications in leading scientific journals.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:  

• Experience in astronomical programming (Python or similar).
• Evidence of potential for high level of achievement as an independent researcher.
• Ability to work as a team member to accomplish goals.

Working Conditions:

This job primarily operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. Extensive online usage. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit, use hands.  Keyboarding for large time spans each day will be a significant part of this position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles.  The employee may be exposed to moving equipment, vehicles and mechanical parts.  The noise level in the work office environment is typically mild.  The environment on the aircraft during flight operations may become noisy and tiring. The employee must be capable of performing all duties in a technical / scientific setting including offices, laboratories, shops, and aircraft maintenance facilities as well as on the aircraft / observatory, both while on the ground and during flights.  The employee may need to lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. 

Travel:

These positions are stationed at NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA. The successful candidates will be expected to travel to conferences and possibly participate in observing runs aboard SOFIA.

Please apply online using the link provided below and include the following attachments:

• Application cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of publications
• Short research statement (max 4 pages)

Candidates should include the contact information for two references in the cover letter. Please send all application materials no later than April 10, 2022. Application reviews and candidate interviews will begin immediately.

Applicants should apply to the posting at USRA Careers. Additional information on USRA can be found at www.usra.edu. 

If you are not vaccinated, please consider getting your COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact your HR Recruiter for further information.

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.