Postdoctoral Associate, Star Formation or Stellar Activity

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Archive Date: 
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department Name: 
MIT Kavli Institute
City: 
Cambridge
State/Province: 
MA
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research (MKI) is looking for a Postdoctoral Associate to carry out independent and collaborative research programs in stellar astrophysics with a broad emphasis on star formation. Research areas focused on stellar activity, outflows, accreting low-mass stars with circumstellar disks, accretion, jets, and gas and dust clouds are encouraged. Observers, theorists, and computational researchers in these areas are all encouraged to apply, since all approaches are valuable to address these science questions.

In addition to pursuing their own independent research, the candidate will lead the analysis of two or more existing Chandra (HETG) high-resolution spectroscopic programs targeting young accreting stars, and massive stars with outflows. Other potential projects include multi-wavelength (IR to X-rays) spectroscopy of young stars, observations of young stellar jets, or X-ray observations focused on young stellar activity. The candidate is expected to be familiar with either imaging or high-resolution spectroscopy in the optical, UV, or X-ray range.

Members of our group use a variety of X-ray, UV, optical, and infrared spectra from ground and space-based observatories with a large emphasis on Chandra X-ray imaging and spectroscopic instruments (high and low resolution). The MKI high energy astrophysics group also participates in the Chandra Guaranteed Time Observation Program for the HETG instrument. Additionally, MIT is a member of the Magellan Telescope Consortium, which includes a budget of observing time. While not a necessity for this position, the successful applicant will be encouraged to pursue their research interests by utilizing these resources.

REQUIREMENTS: a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics, with demonstrated initiative and experience working in modern stellar astrophysics research, in particular star formation.

Review of the applications will begin on January 31st, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. All applications sent by this date will receive full consideration. The start date is nominally Fall 2023, but can be negotiated. The appointment will be for two years, renewable for a third depending on performance and availability of funding.

Applicants should apply with a CV, publications list, and statement of research interests (3-4 page summary of recent work including ongoing projects) by email to Dr. Moritz Guenther ([email protected]), and arrange for three letters of reference also to be sent by email to Dr. Moritz Guenther ([email protected]).

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.

Application Deadline: 
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Selection Deadline: 
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Dr. Moritz Guenther
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Dr. Moritz Guenther