Interstellar and Circumgalactic Medium Postdoctoral Researcher

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University invites applications for a postdoctoral research position. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Joshua Peek on studies of interstellar and circumgalactic dust and gas in the Milky Way and local group Galaxies. The successful applicant would be specifically encouraged to pursue their own research interests. Additionally, there are a number of general research areas that the successful application could select amongst. One project would be the exploration of the dynamics of molecular cloud formation and destruction, either through spectroscopic absorption line work (archival and/or new MOS observations) or through simulations. Another would be using archival data to disentangle magnetic effects in the disk in three dimensions. Further afield, we wish to use archival absorption lines and reddening estimates of background galaxies to study gas and dust at high Galactic latitude, in the disk-halo interface, and in the circumgalactic media of intervening galaxies. Finally, there are a number of projects using neural networks to infer information about the structure of the ISM.

Dr. Peek is a member of the ISM (https://sites.google.com/view/ism-stsci) and Low Density Universe groups at Space Telescope Science Institute, where there are many other postdoctoral researchers and investigators to work with including Drs. Julia Roman-Duval, Karl Gordon, and Andrew Fox. The successful applicants will benefit from the opportunities at both Johns Hopkins University and STScI, including career mentoring, interactions with a large research staff, and a stimulating work environment rich in colloquia, journal clubs, and symposia.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in Astronomy, Physics, or related fields at the start of the post-doctoral researcher position. Research experience in the areas of interstellar dust, molecular clouds, hydrodynamic simulations, high-resolution spectroscopy, large astronomical data sets, or the interstellar medium is desirable. Expertise in numerical methods, statistics, or software is a plus. If you are unsure whether this is you, please apply!

The position is for two years, with a possible renewal for a third year. The nominal start date is summer/fall 2019 but other start dates are possible. The Johns Hopkins University is in Baltimore, Maryland, and has deep ongoing interactions with the Space Telescope Science Institute. The Johns Hopkins University offers an excellent benefit package, competitive salaries, and a stimulating work environment. Pay is commensurate to the year of Ph.D.

Applicants are requested to complete an online application through https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/12254 and attach the following materials: curriculum vitae, list of publications, and a statement of research interests, accomplishments, and relevant technical expertise. The statement is not to exceed three pages. Applicants should arrange for three reference letters to be sent to Joshua Peek ([email protected]). Completed applications, including the letters, received by Jan 15, 2019 are assured full consideration.

Questions may be directed to Joshua Peek [email protected]

The Johns Hopkins University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.