Postdoctoral Research Associate in supernova radiative transfer, statistics, and machine learning

Applications are invited for a Research Associate (postdoctoral) position in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University.  The successful candidate will be working with Prof. Wolfgang Kerzendorf on adding the necessary microphysics to model nebular spectra to the radiative transfer code TARDIS and subsequent modeling of observations.

This group is actively developing an opensource framework that will allow for the analysis of supernova spectra at many phases. Our effort is aided by the development of machine learning and statistical techniques that will allow for parameter inference of archival observations. The successful candidate will focus on the extension of TARDIS to modeling spectra in the nebular phase and subsequently apply this to existing observational data. A firm grasp of radiative transfer and programming (in particular Python) is required. Statistics and machine learning experience are preferred. Michigan State offers access to local High-Performance Computing resources and to the SOAR 4-m telescope. Inquiries about the position are actively encouraged ([email protected]).

MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity.  The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, person of color, veterans, and person with disabilities.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV including a publication list, and a brief statement of research interests to the web site: www.careers.msu.edu using posting number 607420. In addition, applicants should submit the names and e-mail addresses of three references which will be contacted when the shortlist is constructed. 

Review of applications will begin on September 27, 2019 and will continue until the position has been filled.