Postdoctoral Position in Exoplanets and/or Local ISM

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in exoplanets and/or the local interstellar medium in the Astronomy Department at Wesleyan University. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with Seth Redfield primarily on UV/optical/infrared spectra of transiting exoplanets and/or the interstellar medium. Projects can include characterizing the atmospheres and circumplanetary environments of exoplanets, and/or measuring and modeling the fundamental properties of the interstellar medium amongst the nearest stars. The data sources are rich, high-resolution spectra from a variety of ground-based and space-based facilities, spanning the UV, optical, and infrared. The precise research direction will be determined in collaboration with the successful applicant, taking their skill set into consideration, as well as their long-term career goals. Wesleyan has a Planetary Science Group that includes faculty and postdocs from several departments. The successful candidate will be encouraged to interact with other faculty and to carry out independent research with full access to observational facilities available to Wesleyan. Experience with data reduction and analysis, high resolution spectroscopy, multi-object spectroscopy and observational studies of exoplanets and/or the ISM will be helpful. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in astronomy or astrophysics at the start of the appointment.

Wesleyan University is located between New York City and Boston, and has a small but active astronomy program which emphasizes involvement of undergraduate and M.A. students in research. We are particularly interested in candidates who feel that they could both contribute to and flourish in this unique educational environment. The postdoc would have the opportunity, if desired, to take advantage of this setting to develop educational skills through mentoring students in research and possibly teaching. Initial appointment would be for two years, with funding for at least one additional year available. The starting date is Summer/Fall 2018; some flexibility can be accommodated. Salary is competitive and includes health and retirement benefits as well as a travel allowance. Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, bibliography, statement of research experience and interests, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to the address above by 15 December 2017.

Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer M/W/D/V and strongly encourages applications from individuals underrepresented in astronomy.