Postdoctoral Scholar in Exoplanets/Substellar Companions

The Center for Astrophysics & Space Sciences (CASS) at UC San Diego seeks a postdoctoral scholar to collaborate with Prof. Quinn Konopacky on imaging and spectroscopy of substellar companions and extrasolar planets.

The successful applicant will help collect, analyze, and interpret high spatial resolution imaging and spectroscopy of substellar companions that have been identified through direct imaging. This work will be done with collaborators at other institutions. The data will be gathered using the Keck observatory adaptive optics instrumentation suite and the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) at Gemini Observatory. The applicant may also work on a potential upgrade of GPI, including defining requirements based on science cases and/or laboratory calibration and testing of upgraded components. The applicant will also have the opportunity to pursue an independent research program.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics by the start of the appointment. The start date is September 1, 2019. Preference will be made for those candidates with prior experience in adaptive optics, near-infrared spectroscopy and/or imaging, and ground-based observing; however, those with broader expertise are encouraged to apply. Research and travel funding will be available. The position will be up to three years, with annual appointment renewals, dependent on performance and funding. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

To apply, please submit a single PDF file containing a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and brief (3 page) statement of research interests and experience to [email protected]. Please arrange for three letters of recommendation to be directly emailed to the same address. All materials must be received no later than November 30, 2018.

UC San Diego is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong institutional commitment to excellence and diversity (http://diversity.ucsd.edu/ ). Women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. AAE/EOE