Postdoctoral Research Associate

Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics

University of California, Santa Cruz

The Astronomy Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz invites applications for up to 3 Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in transient astrophysics and cosmology.  The positions are full-time, for up to three years, contingent on performance and continued funding.

Candidates should have interests in stellar astrophysics, transient science, supernovae, gravitational waves, cosmology and/or optical instrumentation.  A candidate must have received their PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field prior to beginning their appointment.  The researchers will work with Prof. Ryan Foley on various observational projects, including (but not limited to) SN Ia cosmology, SN explosions/progenitors, gravitational wave counterparts, survey science, exotic transients, and telescope instrumentation.  The UCSC transient team is currently part of a WFIRST Science Investigation Team, Foundation Supernova Survey, Swope Supernova Survey, Young Supernova Experiment, Dark Energy Survey, and One-Meter Two-Hemisphere Gravitational Wave Team.  We are also building an optical spectrograph and are involved in other instrumentation projects.  The researchers will have access to data from Keck, Lick, Gemini, Magellan, the Dark Energy Survey, Pan-STARRS, Swope, SOAR, KPNO, Swift, and HST.

Proposed starting date is September 1, 2020, although this is flexible.  Salary is commensurate with experience and relevant research.  Benefits include vacation, sick leave, and holidays plus State Health, Dental and Life Insurance for qualified candidates.

The completed application will consist of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication list, and a one-page statement of research interests.  This information should be submitted as a single PDF file via electronic mail to Prof. Ryan Foley ([email protected]).  Applicants should also instruct three references to submit letters of recommendation to the same email address with the applicant's name in the subject field.  All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered; incomplete information will not be reviewed.  Applications may be reviewed prior to closing, and applications completed by Dec 31, 2019 will receive full consideration.

UCSC is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disability/Minority Employer. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to: Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (831) 459-2686.