Astronomy Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is seeking to hire a postdoctoral research fellow to work with Prof. John Monnier to lead the modeling of the planet-forming disks observed in an approved Large Program using the Gemini Planet Imager in polarized scattered light.   In addition, we will conduct follow-up observations using other extreme adaptive optics systems and also at mm-wave facilities such as ALMA.  Part of the responsibilities of this position will be to make the reduced data and modeling from this Gemini Large Program available and accessible to the wider public through Virtual Observatory protocols.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Astrophysics or equivalent field. Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas is required: protoplanetary disk radiative transfer modeling, analysis of differential polarization data using adaptive optics coronography (such as GPI or SPHERE), and/or mm-wave interferometric imaging (such as ALMA). 

The Department of Astronomy has notably active protoplanetary disk and exoplanet groups which welcome new members.  A postdoctoral researcher in our department can apply as PI to any of our telescope facility partnerships, currently including the Magellan Telescopes in Chile, the MDM Observatory in Arizona,  the CHARA Interferometer, SWIFT space telescope and the NOEMA mm array. Significant computing resources are available through the Department and through the University of Michigan.  

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position is funded through a National Science Foundation grant and may be extended for up to three years, contingent upon funding and satisfactory progress.

Qualified applicants should e-mail to Prof. Monnier at [email protected], including a single PDF containing:

* A cover letter,

* A CV, including a publications list,

* A brief statement of past research and future aims (3 pages or less). Please indicate how your research interests will contribute to the group at Michigan.

Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be e-mailed to the above address ([email protected]).

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Applications completed by January 15, 2019, will receive full consideration.

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.