Postdoctoral Research Associate

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Research in the field of theoretical astrophysics focusing on the development of a gas kinetic description of the physical processes of the IGM and CGM. Lead and participate in various aspects of developing a Monte Carlo simulation tool for describing non-equlibrium non-thermal states of gas at interfaces and shocks. Lead and participate in using the results of these simulations to compare with observational data (i.e. absorption line spectra).

Essential Functions

Examples of duties:

1) Lead and participate in different aspects of algorithm development, implementation and testing of plasma interactions using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method.

2) Lead and participate in the design, execution, and data analysis of one or more simulation campaigns using the simulation code. This effort may include porting the simulation code to various supercomputer centers.

3) Lead and participate in the writing of various software modules necessary for comparing simulation results to observed spectra.

4) Lead and participate in dissemination activity including writing research reports, papers for publication, software documentation, and preparing data for release.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) - Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, or equivalent field. Experience in computational astrophysics.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions - Ability to work in a lab environment.

Work Schedule -Monday – Friday

Salary Information -Commensurate with experience.

Email inquiries: Martin Weinberg ([email protected])

Special Instructions to Applicants:  Applications must be submitted online at https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/Default.aspx?c=apply&sJobIDs=496392&SourceTypeID=796&sLanguage=en-us. Please include a curriculum vitae (including publication list), a summary of past research accomplishments and current research interests. Applicants should also provide three professional letters of reference with their application and should apply by the priority deadline of January 1, 2019 in order to ensure consideration.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.