Postdoc Research Fellow

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Archive Date: 
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Other
Institution/Company: 
AURA/Gemini
City: 
Hilo
State/Province: 
HI
Zip/Postal: 
96720
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 40 US institutions and four international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the Gemini Observatory, the National Optical Astronomical Observatory, the National Solar Observatory, the Space Telescope Science Institute, and the construction of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope

We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to be located at the Gemini North (GN) Observatory in Hilo, Hawaii. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work with Assistant Astronomer Trent Dupuy on programs using the Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes to study the astrophysics of substellar objects, including planetary mass brown dwarfs. Other work that the fellow could participate in includes studying the dynamics of stellar binary systems that host planets from Kepler and TESS, astrometric and photometric monitoring of low-mass stars and brown dwarfs using the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, Gaia astrometry, and spectroscopic follow-up of brown dwarfs with dynamical masses using Gemini, HST, JWST and other facilities. Located in Hilo, Hawaii, the postdoc will benefit from a stimulating environment that includes the research staff and science fellows at Gemini, as well as the astronomy community from neighboring observatories, the IfA, and UH Hilo.

The nominal start date is expected to be in Summer 2019, but other dates are negotiable. The initial appointment is for two years with the possibility of extension.

Gemini Observatory offers an excellent benefit package and a competitive salary.

Essential Functions:

  • Carry out scientific research investigations in collaboration with other members of the scientific staff.
  • Write professional papers on results of research.
  • Attend conferences to present recent results of research.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

  • Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, or related fields.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities: 

  • Previous experience in studies of brown dwarfs or multiple star systems
  • Previous experience in reduction of astrometric or photometric data
  • Previous experience in theoretical interpretation of observations 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
  • The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
  • Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to
  • perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately

Please list 3 professional references in your application and attach the following information in pdf format: cover letter; CV or resume; publication list; and a concise (1-3 page) statement of research interests, accomplishments, and relevant technical experience. Questions about this position should be sent directly to [email protected].

Complete applications that are received by December 31, 2018 will receive full consideration.

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

Application Deadline: 
Monday, December 31, 2018
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
AURA-HR
Institution/Company Job ID or Reference Code: 
POSTD02976
Inquiries About Job