EHT Postdoctoral Fellow

Astrophysicist (Post Doctoral Researcher)

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) group at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), a partner in the Center for Astrophysics (CfA) with Harvard University. The EHT is an international project to study event horizon scale physics at the boundary of the supermassive black holes at the center of the Milky Way (SgrA*) and in Virgo A (M87) using the technique of Very Long Baseline Interferometry. The EHT group at SAO is located close to Harvard University at 160 Concord Ave. in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is closely affiliated with the Harvard Black Hole Initiative (BHI), the first interdisciplinary research center worldwide to focus on the study of black holes.

On April 10, 2019, the EHT announced the first images of a black hole. These images resolved the core of the M87 galaxy, revealing a bright ring of emission encircling the predicted ‘shadow’ of a 6.5 billion solar mass black hole. Postdocs in the EHT group have full access to proprietary EHT data and are encouraged to take leading roles in all aspects of the project, including observations, instrument development, and data analysis, as well as studies of black hole accretion, jet formation, and exotic spacetimes.

The purpose of this postdoctoral astrophysicist position is to conduct scientific research and scholarship in the area of software, frameworks, and techniques for the processing of Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) data. The incumbent will contribute to EHT analysis and science investigations, and collaborate with the team of SAO scientists and engineers in creating the next generation of precision measurements of black hole physics on horizon scales. The postdoctoral appointee will join an international team that includes engineers, astrophysical theorists, software developers, astronomers, and imaging algorithm experts, all united by a common science vision for the ngEHT.

We are looking for highly motivated and excellent applicants with experience in some subset of the areas of radio interferometry, software, astronomy data pipelines, digital signal processing, mm/submm instrumentation, and black hole theory/simulation/modeling. There are multiple opportunities for the successful candidate to take on leading roles within our group. The fellowship can start as early as summer 2021.

Applicants must have a PhD in astronomy, physics, or a related field. The grant-funded position is for three years. A generous stipend, starting at $71,274/year, as well as full SAO benefits, research and travel funds, and laptop/desktop computers will be provided. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

To apply, please go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/599203500. For further information about the EHT or BHI, please go to www.eventhorizontelescope.org or https://bhi.fas.harvard.edu. Please direct any questions about projects or programs to Shep Doeleman ([email protected]) or Michael Johnson ([email protected]).

Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. AAE/EOE.