Postdoctoral Research Associate in Time Domain Astronomy

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Washington State University in the research group of Dr. Vivienne Baldassare. The initial appointment will be for two years, with a start date in Fall 2021. A third year is contingent on available funding and satisfactory performance. 

The successful candidate will pursue research on topics related to time domain observations (especially of supermassive black holes) and/or active galactic nuclei in low-mass galaxies. Current interests of the group include variability selection of active galactic nuclei in low-mass galaxies and changing-state active galactic nuclei. The postdoctoral researcher will have access to data from the Young Supernova Experiment (yse.ucsc.edu), a new 1500 square degree time domain survey being carried out with the Pan-STARRS telescopes. Applicants are encouraged to describe how they would utilize this data in their research statement. 

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in Astronomy or Physics at the start of the postdoctoral research position. Application materials include:

• Cover letter 
• A single statement of research interests, experience, and future plans (5 pages maximum)
• C.V. (including a publication list)
• Three letters of reference to be submitted on their behalf (directly to [email protected]) 

Review of materials will begin on February 8th, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. Women, minorities, veterans, LBGTQ+ people, and other members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

The Physics and Astronomy Department at Washington State University (https://physics.wsu.edu/) is composed of over 20 faculty and lecturers, including an active astronomy group with expertise in stellar populations, transients, and gravitational waves. The position is located in Pullman, WA (https://www.visit-pullman.com/). Pullman is a dynamic hub for higher education, research, and culture, and is surrounded by immense natural beauty with excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Apply here: https://wsu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WSU_Jobs/job/Washington-State-University/Postdoctoral-Research-Associate_R-139