Astronomer (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow)

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Archive Date: 
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Government Agency
Institution/Company: 
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
City: 
Cambridge
State/Province: 
MA
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

This advert is for the position of Astronomer (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Sciences Division (SSP) of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) under the supervision of Dr Matthew Holman. The purpose of this position is to undertake theoretical and observational research related to (a) the detection of Solar System minor planets, and (b) the orbital dynamics of Solar System objects.

Initial funding will be for two years, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding. Successful candidates would be expected to undertake research drawn from a subset of the topics described below.

Potential Research Topics:

  1. Contribute to the ongoing IMACS occultation survey for sub-km KBOs;
  2. Conduct surveys of Centaurs, TNOs and other outer Solar System objects using Pan-STARRS data. It is anticipated that this data search will utilize novel heliocentric linking algorithms developed by Holman & Payne.
  3. Assist in the augmentation of the novel heliocentric linking algorithms developed by Holman & Payne, with the aim of making said algorithms able to robustly link observations of fast-moving objects (such as NEOs) across long time-spans.
  4. Undertake dynamical investigations of the outer Solar System.

Interested applicants should apply by Thursday, November 30th. A complete application will include a cover letter, CV, bibliography and contact details for three references and should be sent to Dr Matthew Payne at [email protected].

Official applications should also be submitted through the USAJobs website https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/481411200

Application Deadline: 
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Selection Deadline: 
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Dr. Matthew Payne
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Dr. Matthew Payne