ASTRONOMER – Postdoctoral Position on Exoplanetary Atmospheres

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), part of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, invites applications for an Astronomer (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) position to work in Dr. Mercedes López-Morales’ Research Group in the Solar, Stellar and Planetary Sciences Division.

The successful applicant will work on exoplanetary atmospheres studies, with focus on the analysis, modeling, and interpretation of data from two large ongoing projects: the HST Panchromatic Comparative Exoplanetary Treasury Program (PanCET), and the ground-based Arizona-CfA-Catolica Exoplanet Spectroscopy Survey (ACCESS).

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics by the date of the appointment. Candidates must also have working knowledge on exoplanetary atmospheres studies, including reduction, analysis and modeling of spectroscopic data. They must also be comfortable working in a research group environment and as part of large collaborations, and be willing to travel internationally for observing runs. Experience coding in Python, IDL or Julia will be preferred.

The position is nominally for one year, renewable for up to three years. The anticipated start date is April 1, 2018, although an earlier or later start is possible.

Interested applicants should apply by December 15th to be given full consideration.  A complete application includes a cover letter, CV including the names of three references, list of publications, and a statement of interests and qualifications. 

Applications should be submitted through the USAJobs website.  For complete information and application procedures, please visit:

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/482045500