Postdoctoral Fellow, Exoplanet Instrumentation

Opportunity M is an interdisciplinary research effort based at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and pursuing the following three goals: First, we seek the temperate, terrestrial planets transiting the closest M-dwarf stars. Second, we will perform a reconnaissance of their atmospheres and develop the plan for the instrument that can ultimately undertake a search for atmospheric biosignature gases. Third, we will foster the worldwide community that will carry this inquiry through to fruition over the coming decade.

As part of this inititiative, we are considering innovative designs for a high-resolution spectrograph for the Giant Magellan Telescope in pursuit of the study of atmospheric biosignature gases. We seek a postdoctoral fellow with interest, knowledge, and experience related to this activity, which could include previous work in instrumentation hardware, signal-to-noise performance studies of mock observations, and exoplanet science generally. The individual would be advised by Mercedes Lopez-Morales, Sagi Ben-Ami, and David Charbonneau, and would work with other members of the Initiative.

Each applicant should email, as a single PDF file, a statement of at most 2 pages explaining her or his interest and qualifications for the position, a current CV, and list of publications. Applicants should also request for 2 letters of recommendation to be sent directly from the writers by the deadline.

Appointments are for one year, with renewals for a second and third year likely, contingent upon satisfactory progress. We would like the successful applicant to be able to commence work as soon as possible. The salary is competitive, and health benefits and relocation allowance are provided. Harvard University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Women and members of minority groups are especially welcome to apply.