The Astronomy Department at The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for up to two postdoctoral research positions to collaborate with Prof. Brendan Bowler and his research group on observational studies broadly related to exoplanet discovery, formation, characterization, and instrumentation. Specific topics include imaging accreting protoplanets and variability monitoring of substellar companions with the Hubble Space Telescope; high-contrast imaging of astrometrically accelerating stars; precision radial velocities of young stars and transiting planets; and sub-mm observations of circumstellar and circumplanetary disks. Applicants with experience in any of these research areas are encouraged to apply, as are those with a background in instrumentation.
The successful applicant will have access to McDonald Observatory facilities, which include the 10-m Hobby-Eberly Telescope and 2.7-m Harlan J. Smith telescope. These telescopes host a number of innovative new instruments including the Habitable-Zone Planet Finder spectrograph. There will also be opportunities to advise undergraduate or graduate students. Austin is a vibrant city with an active music and cultural scene, and excellent weather allowing year-round outdoor activities.
The applicant should have obtained a Ph.D. in Astronomy or a related field by their anticipated start date in Fall 2022. Other start dates may be possible. The appointment will be for two years initially with the expectation of renewal for a third year contingent on satisfactory performance and funding. Candidates are expected to be willing to take on new projects, learn new skills, work independently, and contribute positively to departmental culture. Salary will be commensurate with experience. The University of Texas at Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer; astronomers from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.
Applicants should submit a CV, list of publications, names of three references, and a statement of current and future research interests as a single PDF under a subject heading “Postdoc Position — YOUR NAME” to: [email protected]. Complete applications received by December 17, 2021 will receive full consideration.