An outstanding postdoctoral fellow is sought to develop prudent acquisition plans for the WFIRST investigation of type Ia supernovae. The successful candidate will develop strategies to maximizing the supernova yields at specific redshifts, to obtain optimal spectroscopic identifications and redshifts for a sufficient fraction of candidate supernovae, to provide sufficient sampling for optical photometric identification of the remaining sample, and to efficiently sample light curves (with consideration for coordinated observtions) to enable distance measurements. This work will also examine the use of host environment characteristics as priors to aid in candidate selections, and examine trades in filter and spectral element selection to best optimize the survey.
A Ph. D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics is required. We seek candidates with strong interpersonal and communication skills. The Johns Hopkins University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from individuals within these and other protected groups. Consideration of applications will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit a CV, a list of publications, and a research statement, and arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent via Interfolio to https://apply.interfolio.com/73607