Postdoctoral Position in Theoretical/Computational Astrophysics

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to pursue innovative research in collaboration with Professor Omer Blaes’s group.

Our current research is broadly focused on radiation magnetohydrodynamic processes in accreting compact objects, particularly in regard to time variability in cataclysmic variables, X-ray pulsars and ULXs, and black hole X-ray binaries and AGN. Candidates in all areas of theoretical and numerical astrophysics will be considered and are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must have a PhD in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field by the 2022 appointment start date. The successful candidate will participate in ongoing simulation work by Blaes and Yan-Fei Jiang of the Flatiron Institute on radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulations of opacity-driven convection in AGN accretion disks, with a view toward building better theoretical models of these flows. The candidate will also be encouraged to pursue their own independent research and will have opportunities to mentor students and collaborate with other UCSB faculty members and researchers. Scientists at UCSB have privileged access to the twin Keck Observatory telescopes (http://www.keckobservatory.org), Lick Observatory (http://www.ucolick.org), and the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network (http://lcogt.net). UCSB provides a stimulating research environment with faculty and staff pursuing a broad range of topics in astronomy and astrophysics (http://web.physics.ucsb.edu/~astrogroup), and the Kavli Center for Theoretical Physics (https://www.kitp.ucsb.edu) hosts several astrophysics workshops each year.

Postdoc appointments are anticipated to have a three-year duration. Postdoc appointments are for an initial one year period, with an extension to three years contingent on performance. The starting date is negotiable. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience in accordance with University of California policy.

All applications must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/20469.

Applicants should send a brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication list, and a brief research statement summarizing previous accomplishments, current interests, and future plans; they should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to arrive by the Dec 15, 2021 deadline. The position will remain open until filled, but materials should arrive by the deadline to ensure full consideration.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/SARS-CoV-2_Covid-19. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees must (a) provide proof of receiving at least one dose of a COVID-19 Vaccine no later than 14 calendar days after their first date of employment and provide proof of Full Vaccination no later than eight weeks after their first date of employment; or (b) if applicable, submit a request for Exception or Deferral no later than 14 calendar days after their first date of employment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.