Postdoctoral Scholar in Transient Astrophysics, Cosmology, and/or Instrumentation

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Archive Date: 
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
University of California, Santa Cruz
Department Name: 
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Street Line 1: 
1156 High St
City: 
Santa Cruz
State/Province: 
CA
Zip/Postal: 
95064
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Astronomy Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz invites applications for up to 3 Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in transient astrophysics, gravitational wave astrophysics, and cosmology.  The positions are full-time, for up to three years, contingent on performance and continued funding.

Candidates should have interests in stellar astrophysics, transient science, supernovae, gravitational waves, cosmology and/or optical instrumentation.  A candidate must have received their PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field prior to beginning their appointment.  The researchers will work with Prof. Ryan Foley on various observational projects, including (but not limited to) SN Ia cosmology, SN explosions/progenitors, gravitational wave counterparts, survey science, exotic transients, and telescope instrumentation.  Particular potential projects for an incoming researcher include:

  • The Young Supernova Survey, a wide griz transient survey.
  • The Keck Infrared Transient Survey, a NASA Keck Key Strategic Mission Support program to obtain NIR spectra of hundreds of transients.
  • A JWST program to observe a kilonova, as well as several search/follow-up programs related to gravitational wave sources.
  • Multiple Hubble programs, including a 130-orbit program to observe 100 Type Ia supernovae from the UV to the IR.
  • The Swope Supernova Survey, a targeted uBVgri follow-up program that has already observed hundreds of transients.
  • On-going spectroscopic programs that currently total dozens of 3 to 10-m telescope nights per year.
  • Two Swift Key Projects to observe extremely young transients and Type Ia supernovae.
  • Roman Space Telescope High-Latitude Time Domain Survey planning and preparation.
  • The Dual-beam Automatic Rapid Transient Spectrograph (DARTS), a low-resolution robotic spectrograph for the 2.4-m APF telescope.

In addition to the above projects, the researchers will have access to data from Keck, Lick, Gemini, Magellan, the Dark Energy Survey, Pan-STARRS, Swope, SOAR, KPNO, Swift, and HST.  University of California postdoctoral researchers can also PI Lick Observatory programs.

Proposed starting date is September 1, 2023, although this is flexible.  Starting salary is at least $65,000/year, with higher pay commensurate with experience and relevant research.  Benefits include vacation, sick leave, and holidays plus State Health, Dental and Life Insurance for qualified candidates.


The completed application will consist of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication list, and a brief statement of research interests.  This information should be submitted as a single PDF file via electronic mail to Prof. Ryan Foley ([email protected]).  Applicants should also instruct three references to submit letters of recommendation to the same email address with the applicant's name in the subject field.  All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered; incomplete information will not be reviewed.  Applications may be reviewed prior to closing, and applications completed by February 28, 2023 will receive full consideration.

UCSC is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disability/Minority Employer. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to: Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (831) 459-2686.

Pay Compensation
Salary Min: 
$65000.00 (USD)
Included Benefits: 

Benefits include vacation, sick leave, and holidays plus State Health, Dental and Life Insurance for qualified candidates.

Application Deadline: 
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Selection Deadline: 
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Ryan Foley
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Ryan Foley
Subject: 
Transient Astrophysics Postdoctoral Posion