Postdoctoral Scholar in Asteroseismic Instrumentation for the SONG network

The Department of Astronomy at New Mexico State University seeks applications for a three-year postdoctoral appointment in instrumentation. We are exclusively interested in candidates who will take a primary role in assembling a new node for the global Stellar Observations Network Group (SONG) project, which is led by Aarhus University in Denmark. NMSU was recently awarded NSF funding to add the first SONG telescope in the U.S. at Apache Point Observatory (APO), about 2 hours from the NMSU campus. This will be the fourth node of the network, adding to the ones in the Canary Islands, Australia, and China. The facility will be comprised of a new 1-meter robotic telescope and an optical radial-velocity spectrograph that will be assembled and installed as part of the project. The science that SONG enables is ultra high-precision asteroseismology of bright stars with nearly-continuous observational capabilities. SONG will be able to provide seismic data on a sample of pulsating stars that rivals the quality of solar helioseismic data.

The successful applicant will have experience with instrumentation and an interest in asteroseismology. It is envisioned that the scholar will assume the role of Project Engineer or Project Scientist, interacting daily with other key personnel to get the SONG node ready for science in 3 years. Substantial collaboration with the Aarhus team will also be necessary. Responsibilities include assisting with the assembly of the spectrograph from existing plans, software development, and integration of the spectrograph at the telescope at APO. Experience with Zemax and/or SOLIDWORKS is not required, but would strengthen the application. 75% of the Scholar’s time will be dedicated to SONG in New Mexico, and 25% for other research pursuits. A research fund will be available for travel and publications. 

The position is targeted to start as early as possible. Candidates must have obtained their PhD prior to starting this position. Please submit a detailed cover letter, curriculum vitae with a publication list, unofficial graduate transcripts, and the contact information for three references, through the NMSU Jobs site. The deadline to apply is Feb. 23, 2023. Inquiries may be sent to Jason Jackiewicz at [email protected]. Women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply. Offer of employment is contingent upon verification of the individual's eligibility for employment in the United States. NMSU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.