Research Professor (non-tenure track)

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds (CEHW) at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a research associate position. Successful applicants will work with Prof. Fabienne Bastien on stellar photometric variability, stellar magnetic activity, exoplanet detection and characterization, and/or the analysis of ground and space-based stellar light curves.

The ideal candidate will have some combination of the following qualifications:

• expertise in performing high precision space-based photometry, especially as applicable to the TESS mission,
• experience in improving the precision of space-based light curves, such as those obtained from the re-purposed Kepler mission,
• a desire to work with and assist in advising graduate and undergraduate students, and
• a background in observational stellar astrophysics and/or exoplanet detection or characterization.

In addition to working with Prof. Bastien, the successful applicant will be expected to pursue independent research and will have the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant scientific and public outreach efforts of the department. The successful applicant will have access to a variety of resources and collaborations available at Penn State, including but not limited to the 10-m Hobby-Eberly Telescope, the Center for Astrostatistics, and the Institute for CyberScience. More information about available resources may be found on the CEHW and Department of Astronomy websites.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field prior to the start date. Applications must be submitted electronically at psu.jobs/job/75068 and include a cover letter, statement of research interests, a CV, and a list of publications. Applicants must also arrange for 3 letters of reference to be emailed to [email protected]. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to [email protected]. Please reference job 75068 in the e-mail subject line. The position start date is flexible, but a fall 2018 start is preferred. This is a fixed term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with possibility of refunding. Applications received by January 15, 2018 will receive full consideration. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.

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