J. Craig Wheeler (UT Austin) and David Pooley (Trinity University) invite applications for an NSF-sponsored postdoctoral associate position to engage in optical, X-ray, and radio observations of supernovae, gravitational-wave sources and related transients. The postdoctoral associate will work in the Department of Astronomy at The University of Texas at Austin that has a large and vibrant research program in astrophysics and a stimulating environment. The postdoctoral associate will also have the opportunity to spend time and work in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Trinity University, a selective, private liberal arts institution in San Antonio with a long tradition of strong undergraduate research.
The postdoctoral associate will join ongoing projects to: (1) do spectroscopic observation and analysis of supernovae of all kinds with emphasis on early observations of stripped-envelope and superluminous supernovae; (2) discover and analyze the collision of stripped-envelope supernovae with previously-shed envelope matter; and (3) a new initiative to spectroscopically discover the optical transients associated with gravitational-wave events and to follow them up with very high-cadence spectroscopy. The postdoctoral associate will have ample access to the 10-meter, queue-scheduled Hobby-Eberly Telescope, the Harlan J. Smith 2.7 meter telescope, and other facilities at McDonald Observatory. The ideal candidate will also be involved in ancillary observations with the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Very Large Array. Applicants with strong backgrounds in optical, X-ray, and radio observations are encouraged to apply. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or equivalent by the date of appointment.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, list of publications, and a statement of research interests and qualifications. This material and three letters of recommendation should be sent by email to [email protected]. The position is for three years, with a start date effective immediately. Applications submitted by December 1, 2018 will receive full consideration.
Both the University of Texas and Trinity University are committed to the achievement of excellence through diversity among its faculty and staff. Both universities are Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employers of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Information on employee benefits can be found at https://www.utsystem.edu/offices/employee-benefits.