Postdoctoral Associate in Planet Formation and Habitability

Astronomers and planetary scientists are invited to apply for a postdoctoral research position to work on planet formation and habitability with Prof. Meredith MacGregor and her research group in the Department of Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. In this position, you will conduct research broadly related to understanding the formation and habitability of planetary systems, working both collaboratively and independently within our research group and the ICAR consortium. You will have opportunities to contribute to multiple ongoing projects including but not limited to (1) modeling of high resolution ALMA observations of planet-forming disks, (2) studies of disk composition and the inheritance of volatiles into exoplanet atmospheres, and (3) multi-wavelength observing campaigns to understand stellar flaring and its impact on exoplanet atmospheres. New ideas and research proposals related to circumstellar disks, planets, and/or stars are also encouraged.

The successful candidate will join the recently-selected NASA Interdisciplinary Consortium for Astrobiology (ICAR) team comprised of scientists in astrophysics, Earth science, planetary science, and cosmochemistry from UC Santa Cruz, the University of Hawai’i Manoa, NASA Ames Research Center, the University of Colorado, and the University of Kansas. You can expect to collaborate with a group of scientists that will celebrate strengths, value diverse perspectives, and work to ensure an equitable scholarly experience for all. You will have access to the SDSS-V collaboration, the ARC 3.5m and 0.5m telescopes at Apache Point Observatory, the Las Cumbres Observatory global telescope network, and a large community of astronomers and planetary scientists.

Preferred qualifications include experience with multi-wavelength data analysis and modeling, familiarity with scientific coding, and a commitment to inclusivity. Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy, planetary science, or related field at the start of the position. The start date is flexible, ranging from summer to fall 2021. The appointment will be for an initial period of two years, with renewal for a third year contingent upon satisfactory progress. The position includes a competitive salary, research/travel funds, access to telescope and supercomputing facilities, and flexibility to account for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Please apply at https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=28902&emailCampaignId=168. You will be asked to upload (1) a cover letter explaining your interest in this position, (2) a CV that includes all relevant experience and a list of publications, and (3) a brief [up to 3 pages] statement of your scholarly interests and how you would contribute to a research program on planet formation and habitability, which may also optionally include past/present/future work toward making academia more inclusive. You will also be asked to enter contact information for three references, and we will request letters of recommendation immediately upon application. Review of applications will begin after 2/26/21.  Complete applications received by 3/19/21 will receive full consideration. Questions can be directed to Meredith MacGregor.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.