JWST Exoplanet Observation Postdoctoral Fellow

The Earth and Planets Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C. invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in space-based exoplanet atmosphere observations.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will work with Dr. Johanna Teske and a team of world-class collaborators on the JWST Cycle 1 GO Program 2512 (https://www.stsci.edu/jwst/science-execution/program-information.html?id=2512), which includes NIRSpec/BOTS transmission spectroscopy of 11 super-Earth and sub-Neptune transiting exoplanets detected by TESS. These observations will enable a range of investigations into the magnitude and origin of atmospheric diversity in small planets, and are also designed to enable population-level conclusions. The Postdoctoral Fellow will join a supportive, multi-institutional team of graduate students, other postdocs, and faculty/permanent researchers, and be expected to lead publications on individual planets/planet systems as well as contribute to team-member-led publications. Experience reducing and analyzing space-based exoplanet atmosphere observations is strongly preferred, but we encourage applications from candidates with other related skills as well. Part of the Postdoctoral Fellow's time may be available for independent research related to the scope of the JWST program.

The Carnegie Institution strives to enable a scientifically excellent, equitable, and inclusive community, and therefore aims for diverse groups of people to collaborate and thrive at Carnegie. Applicants may use a cover letter to describe how they have contributed to such community characteristics in previous positions, and how those contributions have been informed by their life experiences. We encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply. The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be eligible to apply for PI access to Carnegie’s observational facilities, including the twin 6.5-meter Magellan telescopes at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile. Carnegie is also a full institutional member of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV and V. Carnegie Science supports theoretical astrophysical, data analytic, geodynamic and mineral physics investigations by providing access to state-of-the-art computational facilities. The Earth and Planets Laboratory also supports world-class laboratory facilities in analytical geochemistry and cosmochemistry, high-pressure research, materials spectroscopy and astrobiology. Fellows may wish to participate in interdisciplinary projects such as Carnegie Worlds (https://planets.carnegiescience.edu), a cross-department initiative that integrates exoplanet research with geoscience. At EPL, we value a culture of mentoring and offer professional development opportunities for all post-doctoral scientists (https://epl.carnegiescience.edu/postdoctoral/workshops). More detailed information about the research currently being pursued, and the facilities available at EPL, can be viewed at http://epl.carnegiescience.edu/about.

This appointment will be for two years, with a third year contingent on performance and the availability of funding. The expected start date for this position is around September 1, 2022. The position offers a competitive salary ($72,000), benefits, and funding for relocation expenses, computational resources, publications, and travel. It might be necessary for a successful applicant to obtain a J-1 visa in order to enter the U.S. and work at Carnegie Science. If a visa is required, we will work with you and provide a DS2019 form, which will be required by your country’s nearest American Embassy or Consulate when submitting a visa application.  

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field at the time of the start of the position. The principal selection criteria will be relevant experience, impact of past and current research, and evidence of the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Applications for this position should include: 1) a cover letter expressing the candidate’s background and interest in the position, 2) a curriculum vitae including a list of publications; 3) a brief description of previous and current research (3 pages max).  In addition, applicants should provide names and email addresses for two individuals willing to provide a letter of reference.  For full consideration, please submit your application by January 21, 2022. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please direct any questions to Dr. Teske at [email protected].

Only complete applications submitted via the website will be considered.