EXES Postdoctoral Researcher at NASA Ames

The Echelon-cross-echelle Spectrograph (EXES) project seeks a post-doctoral researcher to support instrument operations and conduct their own science with EXES. The position is funded through September 2021 with the possibility of extension.

EXES is a high-resolution, cryogenic spectrograph on SOFIA working in the mid-infrared. EXES is used primarily for observations of narrow features, particularly molecular features. EXES typically has 2-3 SOFIA flight series per year with each series lasting from 1-3 weeks. Duties will include preparing EXES for each flight series, operating EXES during the series, and reducing data afterward. The postdocs will also help answer questions from the astronomical community regarding EXES capabilities and give presentations regarding EXES at conferences. The position will be based at NASA Ames near San Jose, CA and will involve travel to the SOFIA base in Palmdale, CA. Candidates should pursue their own research projects using EXES. Consequently, they should have an interest in astrochemistry, solar system objects, the ISM, star formation, and/or evolved stars.

Requirements for the position include a Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics along with experience with astronomical instrumentation and spectroscopy. Experience with spectroscopy at infrared wavelengths is considered a plus. Please send a CV, a short statement describing how your research interests and experience align with the job requirements, and the names of three references, who will be contacted directly if appropriate. The position is open immediately and candidates will be considered until the positions are filled.