Postdoctoral Researcher, Astrophysics (IXPE)

The candidate will support the X-ray Research Group at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, AL, especially research related to the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) mission.  

The initial appointment is for two years, with renewal for additional year(s) possible. 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:  

• Analyze IXPE science data and publish results in peer-reviewed journals 
• Organize and propose new IXPE observations of astrophysical sources through the General Observer program 
• Perform regular/occasional duties supporting the IXPE Science Operations Center which is located at MSFC 
• Conduct independent research to help maintain scientific excellence within the IXPE team and perform general research supporting activities of the STI and the MSFC X-ray Group 

Required Qualifications:  
Education:  Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related discipline                  

Experience:  

• A record of publication of relevant research in refereed scientific journals 
• Experience in data analysis and/or simulation of high-energy astrophysical sources, especially as related to X-ray polarimetry 
• Experience in analysis of polarimetric measurements of astrophysical sources 

Knowledge::   

• Knowledge of physics of accretion and/or emission mechanisms as related to polarization 
• Proficiency in high-energy astrophysics data analysis tools, such as image processing, spectral and/or timing analysis software packages 
• In-depth knowledge of programming language(s) commonly used in modern astrophysics, such as Python