Postdoctoral Position in Exoplanet Astronomy at UCLA

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research position in extrasolar planets in Prof. Erik Petigura’s group at UCLA. The successful applicant will work on projects involving early science from the Keck Planet Finder (KPF). Work will include contributions toward the development and implementation of ‘Community Cadence,’ an automated and equitable scheduling framework for KPF at the W. M. Keck Observatory, described here. A portion of the successful candidate's time is expected to be devoted to independent research. 

Previous experience in any of the following areas is considered a strength, but not a requirement: (1) precise radial velocity studies of exoplanets, (2) time-domain astronomy, (3) observatory scheduling and/or automation, (4) front-end and/or back-end software development (5) operations/logistics engineering. The appointment is expected to start in Fall 2023 (although other start dates are possible) and requires the completion of a PhD. Salary will be commensurate with experience. The duration of the position is up to three years: an initial one-year appointment, and two annual renewals, contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

Applicants should submit: (1) a statement of research interests and/or research proposal not to exceed two pages; (2) a CV that includes a publication list; (3) contact information for three references as a single PDF under a subject heading “Postdoc 2022 -- LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME” to: [email protected]. Complete applications received by December 1, 2022 will receive full consideration. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to excellence through diversity.