Postdoctoral position in transient and multi-messenger astronomy

The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory project at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in the fields of transient and/or multi-messenger astronomy. Potential research topics include (but are not limited to) gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, tidal disruption events, and electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave events. 

Successful applicants will join either the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) and/or UV/Optical Telescope (UVOT) instrument teams. Approximately half of the applicant’s time will be devoted to instrument / mission support, including activities such as data analysis, pipeline development, calibration, and operations. The remainder of the applicant’s time is available for self-driven research projects.

GSFC is home to over 100 PhD astronomers, including project teams for Swift, Fermi, NICER, TESS, JWST, and WFIRST, as well as ample computational resources. Through the Joint Space-Science Institute (JSI), GSFC is a partner in the Zwicky Transient Facility project. The successful applicants will also have the opportunity to apply for time on 4.3m Lowell Discovery Telescope in Happy Jack, AZ.

The positions are for two years, renewable for a third year upon mutual agreement, and will be contractor positions arranged through the CRESST II collaborative agreement. The nominal starting date is September 1, 2021, but alternate dates are possible depending on availability. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related field by the date of appointment.

Candidates should provide a cover letter, CV (including publication list), a 3-page statement of research interests, and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent directly. All materials and inquiries should be sent by email to [email protected]. 

Completed applications received by December 1, 2020 will receive full consideration.

The Swift team and NASA/GSFC are committed to building a diverse group and encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. All CRESST II institutions are Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employers.