Postdoctoral Scientist - Supernova / Gravitational Wave

Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) seek a postdoctoral scientist to join the gravitational wave and supernova group currently consisting of one faculty member / staff scientist (Andy Howell), one pipeline scientist, and four graduate students.  The ideal candidate should have demonstrated expertise in gravitational wave follow-up and/or supernova observations.  Howell is PI of the Global Supernova Project, a worldwide collaboration of more than 150 scientists studying hundreds of supernovae.  He is Co-PI (with Iair Arcavi) of the LCO gravitational wave follow-up key project.

LCO is a global observatory specializing in time domain astronomy, which operates a network of 23 robotic telescopes around the world, including optical imaging and spectroscopic capabilities.

The successful candidate will contribute to the gravitational wave follow-up efforts, may contribute to ongoing supernova studies, and will be able to pursue independent research. The postdoc will be affiliated with and have offices at both LCO and UCSB and have access to the observing resources of both institutions. They will also benefit from proximity to the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics.

Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and research statement of no more than 3 pages, and should arrange to have three letters of reference sent to the above address.  All documents should be in PDF format.  Applications complete by December 31, 2019 will receive full consideration. A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline is required by the start of employment.  The term of this position is 2 years, with possible extension for a third year.  The preferred start date is September 1, 2020, though it can be changed by mutual agreement.

The UCSB Department of Physics and LCO are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research and service. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.