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 development of instrumentation for direct imaging of extrasolar planets.

The successful applicant will assist with the design and construction of a new pyramid wavefront sensor adaptive optics (AO) system for the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI). GPI is an advanced adaptive optics coronagraph that has recently completed a large-scale survey of young stars in the southern hemisphere. GPI was originally installed on the Gemini South telescope in Chile in 2013 and will be undergoing an upgrade as part of a relocation to Gemini North. At UC San Diego, this position will the include assembly of components for the AO system, detector testing, integration with the other components of GPI, and eventual on-sky verification on Gemini North. The applicant will also have the opportunity to work on planning observations and surveys for GPI to be conducted following the upgrade. In addition, the successful applicant may assist in science planning and simulations for a future high resolution, adaptive optics fed spectrograph for Keck Observatory. The applicant will also have the opportunity to pursue an independent research program.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related field by the start of the appointment. The start date is on or before September 1, 2020. Preference will be made for those candidates with prior experience in adaptive optics, instrumentation, 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.

The GPI 2.0 collaboration includes Stanford (overall performance), Cornell (operations and software), UC San Diego (Pyramid Wavefront Sensor), Notre Dame (spectrograph and integration and testing), and there are postdoctoral opportunities at several institutions. Applicants are encouraged to contact any of the advertisers of ads if any questions exist about the difference between them.

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. Applications will be considered starting November 29, 2019. The position will be open until filled.

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