HETG Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job description: Postoctoral Research Associate

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the general area of X-ray astrophysics, with emphasis on spectroscopy, at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research (MKI). The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to one or more ongoing projects and to initiate new observational, archival, or theoretical programs. Members of our group work primarily with Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) spectra, but use a variety of data from Chandra X-ray imaging and spectroscopic instruments (high and low resolution), as well as X-ray, UV, optical, and infrared spectra from other ground and space-based observatories.

A significant fraction of time will be available to carry out self-motivated and collaborative research in an environment that includes Chandra HETG and ACIS research scientists under the unifying topic of high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy as applied to astrophysical observations in one or more areas of Active Galactic Nuclei and jets, supernova remnants, X-ray binaries, clusters of galaxies, the ISM and WHIM, and stellar astrophysics. There is also the opportunity to lead in the selection, analysis, and scientific interpretation of one or more of our Chandra/HETG guaranteed time observations.

The appointment is initally funded for two years, and maybe renewable for a third year depending on performance and funding. The start date is negotiable, but nominally 1 April 2020.

The position requires a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics; demonstrated initiative; and experience working in modern astrophysics research, preferably in high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy, theory and modeling, and data analysis.

Qualified applicants should submit their CV, publications list, a statement of research interests (a 3-4 page summary of recent work including ongoing and planned projects) combined into a single PDF via the MIT careers portal, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to [email protected]. Applications should be submitted by 30 Nov 2019.

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.