Postdoctoral Researcher - Exoplanet Observations with MKIDs

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Friday, September 1, 2017
Archive Date: 
Friday, September 29, 2017
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
University of California Santa Barbara
Department Name: 
Department of Physics
City: 
Santa Barbara
State/Province: 
CA
Zip/Postal: 
93106
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to pursue innovative research projects related to high contrast imaging of exoplanets in collaboration with Professor Ben Mazin. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with Professor Mazin’s group (http://mazinlab.org) and with collaborators at Caltech, UCLA, the University of Arizona, and Subaru Telescope to develop new techniques for active speckle nulling and coherent differential imaging to enable imaging exoplanets in reflected light. The work will primarily be accomplished with the recently commissioned DARKNESS at Palomar and MEC at SCExAO at Subaru, the world’s first MKID-based integral field spectrographs for high speed exoplanet imaging.

Scientists at UCSB have privileged access to the twin Keck Observatory telescopes (http://www.keckobservatory.org), Lick Observatory (http://www.ucolick.org), and the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network (http://lcogt.net). UCSB provides a stimulating research environment with faculty and staff pursuing a broad range of topics in astronomy and astrophysics (http://web.physics.ucsb.edu/~astrogroup), and the Kavli Center for Theoretical Physics (https://www.kitp.ucsb.edu) hosts several astrophysics workshops each year.

Applicants must have a PhD in physics, astronomy, computer science, engineering or a closely related field at the time of the appointment request. Experience in high speed control systems is encouraged. The successful candidate will participate in the research activities of the Mazin group, including opportunities to mentor students and collaborate with other UCSB faculty members and researchers.

The appointment is for two-years and is fully funded. There is a possibility of an additional year extension contingent on performance and continued funding. The starting date is negotiable. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience in accordance with University of California policy. For inquiries, please contact Ben Mazin ([email protected]).

Applicants should send a brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication list and a brief research statement summarizing previous accomplishments, current interests, and future plans along with at least 3 letters of recommendation to the link below. All applicants must apply through the UC Recruit online application system at https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF01040.

The position will remain open until filled, but materials should arrive by the initial review date of September 30, 2017 to ensure primary consideration.

The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching 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.

Application Deadline: 
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Selection Deadline: 
Monday, January 1, 2018
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Ben Mazin
Title: 
Professor
Institution/Company: 
University of California
Institution/Company Job ID or Reference Code: 
JPF01040
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Ben Mazin
Subject: 
Postdoc in Exoplanet Observations