Postdoctoral Position in Theoretical Astrophysics

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in research related to massive stars and supernovae in Prof. Jim Fuller’s group at Caltech.  Successful applicants are expected to contribute to the project described below but will also have time for their own research. Access to local computing resources on Caltech’s Wheeler cluster is guaranteed, while observing time at Keck and Palomar Observatories is available through the Caltech Optical Observatories solicitation.

Project:

1. A growing population of core-collapse supernovae (SNe) show evidence for pre-SN outbursts or enhanced mass loss. A promising explanation is that convectively driven waves during late-phase nuclear burning carry energy toward the surface of the star to power outbursts and mass loss. Our goal is to predict observable signatures of wave-driven pre-SN outbursts in a variety of stellar progenitors, and to compare these predictions with observational data. The research will utilize stellar evolution models, hydrodynamical simulations and/or radiative transfer calculations.

The appointment is expected to start on September 1, 2019 or earlier with competitive compensation, and require the completion of a PhD. The initial appointment will be for two years with a possible one-year extension. Applicants should prepare a cover letter, 2-3 page statement of their research interests and expertise, a publication list, and a CV, as a single PDF with the filename LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_fuller-job-jan2019.pdf.  This file should be sent by email to [email protected].  Applicants should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be confidentially submitted to the same address with the filename LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME-RECOMMENDERLASTNAME.pdf. Full consideration will be given to applications received by December 15, 2018. Science questions should be directed to Jim Fuller, [email protected], while administrative questions should be directed to JoAnn Boyd, [email protected].

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.  To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), visit https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.