Postdoctoral Researchers in Exoplanet Atmospheres and High Resolution Spectroscopy

Title: Postdoctoral Researchers in Exoplanet Atmospheres and High Resolution Spectroscopy

Deadline to Apply for Job: Dec 20

Applications are invited for two postdoctoral research positions in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Michigan, to start in Fall 2020 or sooner. Both positions will initially be for one year, but are expected to be extended for up to three years, contingent on funding and positive yearly progress evaluations.

One postdoctoral position is to work on a new program at the University of Michigan (with Profs Rauscher, Meyer, and Monnier) to do multi-dimensional atmospheric characterization of hot Jupiters using high resolution spectroscopy. This program will involve both observational and theoretical work. For this postdoctoral position any expertise related to the goals of the program will be considered, but it is preferred that candidates have previous experience in obtaining and analyzing high resolution data, or similar.

The other postdoctoral position is to work with professor Emily Rauscher on theoretical studies of exoplanet atmospheres, with a particular focus on identifying observational signatures of multi-dimensional properties. Applicants should have previous experience researching (exo)planet atmospheres, but a wide variety of interests and backgrounds are welcome. A strong candidate for this position will be someone whose interests overlap with Prof. Rauscher and who has ideas for new projects they would like to start. Of current interest is: 1) science related to the program mentioned above, or 2) science regarding creating two- or three-dimensional maps from phase curve and secondary eclipse observations, but new science directions will also be given consideration.

The University of Michigan hosts a vibrant astrophysics research community within the Astronomy and Physics Departments, as well as significant expertise in planetary sciences within the Earth & Environmental Sciences and Climate & Space Sciences Departments. The Michigan Institute for Research in Astrophysics funds cross-disciplinary efforts, including a series of intellectually stimulating conferences. Our research resources include institutional access to the twin Magellan 6.5-m telescopes in Chile, the MDM 1.3-m and 2.4-m telescopes on Kitt Peak, the Swift X-ray observatory, the NOEMA millimeter array, and the university’s newly upgraded high-performance computing facilities (~13,000 cores).

Candidates are welcome to apply for one or both positions through a single application. All materials should be received by December 20 for full consideration. Applicants must have a PhD, or expect to receive one before their start date. To apply please email a single PDF to [email protected] (including something like "postdoc application" in the subject line), containing:
* a cover letter,
* a CV, including a list of publications,
* a brief description of research interests and experience (no more than 3 pages).
Three letters of reference must also be sent to the same address.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer; women and minorities are encouraged to apply. In addition to that official language, we also encourage applications from people holding any identity(ies) marginalized in astronomy. We are a department that values diversity, equity, and inclusion: https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/astro-dei/home