Assistant Research Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics - XRT Instrument Scientist

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Sunday, September 20, 2020
Archive Date: 
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Faculty Positions (visiting and non-tenure)
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
Penn State University
Department Name: 
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Street Line 1: 
525 Davey Laboratory
City: 
University Park
State/Province: 
PA
Zip/Postal: 
16802
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of The Pennsylvania State University has an opening for an Assistant Research Professor to work as XRT Instrument Scientist for the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.

A PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field is required. The position will entail working to help maintain the operations of Swift’s X-ray Telescope (XRT), as well as working for the Swift Operations Team, including development of the new Swift Target-of-Opportunity API. In addition the successful applicant would be expected to pursue a broad range of science topics, focused on, but not limited to, analysis and publication of science results from Swift observations.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Previous experience with Swift or X-ray data analysis and X-ray instrumentation is desirable. In addition experience with telescope operations, software development, particularly utilizing the Python language, will also be desirable.

Penn State is the lead institution for the ACIS instrument on Chandra and for the X-ray Telescope on the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The successful applicant will also have access to other Penn State facilities, including the Hobby-Eberly telescope. Penn State is also a lead institution in the detection of compact binary mergers with LIGO.

Applications must be submitted electronically and should include a single PDF file containing a CV, publications list, and statement of research interests. In addition, please request three reference letters be sent to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed beginning on August 1, 2020 and will be accepted until the position is filled. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with the possibility of renewal.

Apply online at https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/PSU_Academic/job/University-Park-Campus/Assistant-Research-Professor-in-Astronomy-and-Astrophysics---XRT-Instrument-Scientist_REQ_0000003700-1.

To review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters and policies, please go to https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports, which will also explain how to request a paper copy of the Annual Security Report

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Included Benefits: 

Information regarding benefits may be found at https://hr.psu.edu/.

Application Deadline: 
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Dr. Jamie Kennea