Postdoctoral Researcher(s) in Star Formation, Exoplanets, or Stellar Astrophysics

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Archive Date: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
The University of Texas at Austin
Department Name: 
Department of Astronomy
Street Line 1: 
2515 Speedway, C1400
City: 
Austin
State/Province: 
TX
Zip/Postal: 
78712
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Astronomy Department at the University of Texas at Austin invites applications for one or more postdoctoral researchers to collaborate with Prof. Adam Kraus and his research group on star formation, extrasolar planets, the astrophysics of low-mass stars, and related fields. Applicants with observational, theoretical, or instrumentation expertise in any of these fields are encouraged to apply. Ongoing research programs include: 1) an HST Large Program to map dense young clusters and characterize the population of brown dwarfs and free-floating planets to the bottom of the IMF, 2) studies of young eclipsing binary systems using K2/TESS and ground-based followup in order to calibrate stellar evolutionary models and test if/which additional physics are required, 3) high-resolution imaging of known planet hosts to study the influence of stellar multiplicity on exoplanetary systems, and 4) identifying and characterizing young transiting planetary systems using data from K2 and TESS. The successful applicants can participate in one or more of these programs, including leading the publication of results and pursuit of followup observations. Applicants are also welcome to discuss new emphases that they would bring to the research group. The successful applicants can allocate a substantial fraction of their time to work on independent research programs.

UT Austin is a large astronomy department and the successful applicant will have access to McDonald Observatory facilities, including the 10m HET and 2.7m Harlan J. Smith telescopes. These telescopes host a number of innovative new instruments, including the IGRINS infrared echelle spectrograph and the Habitable-Zone Planet Finder. There will also be opportunities to advise undergraduate or graduate students. Finally, Austin is a vibrant city with an active music and cultural scene, and excellent weather allowing year-round outdoor activities.

The start date is flexible in 2018. Before starting, the applicants should have obtained a Ph.D. in Astronomy or a related field. The University of Texas at Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer; astronomers from traditionally under-represented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Initial appointment is for 2 years, with a 3rd year likely but contingent on funding and performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Applicants should submit a CV, publication list, statement of current and future research interests, and names of 3 references. The deadline for applications is Jan 31, 2018. Applications should be sent as a single PDF to: [email protected].

Included Benefits: 

UT has an excellent benefits program, described at hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits.

Application Deadline: 
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Adam Kraus
Title: 
Assistant Professor
Institution/Company: 
The University of Texas at Austin
Department Name: 
Department of Astronomy
Street Line 1: 
2515 Speedway, C1400
City: 
Austin
State/Province: 
TX
Zip/Postal Code: 
78712
Country: 
United States of America
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Adam Kraus
Subject: 
Postdoctoral Researcher(s) Position