Postdoctoral Research Position in Exoplanets

Description

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Michigan, to start in Fall 2024. The initial appointment as a Research Fellow is for one year with the possibility of renewal for up to three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. The salary will be $60,000/yr or higher, depending on the successful candidate’s previous experience, plus benefits.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Mary Anne Limbach (https://sites.google.com/view/maryannelimbach/home) on analyzing JWST data, and will conduct research in one of the following areas: (1) White dwarf exoplanets: Search for white dwarf exoplanets in JWST MIRI imaging data using the infrared excess, direct imaging, and astrometry techniques and/or spectral characterization of white dwarf exoplanet atmospheres with JWST observations, or (2) Transiting exosatellite detection: Develop and implementation of gaussian process transit models in multi-spectral lightcurves to search for transiting exosatellites in JWST spectrophotometric observations of wide-orbit exoplanets, free floating planets and brown dwarfs. Previous experience in one or more of the following areas is beneficial but not required: experience with high contrast imaging, exoplanet or brown dwarf spectral retrievals, photometry & infrared excess detection, astrometry & orbit fitting, JWST data reduction & analysis, gaussian process algorithm development, statistical analysis of occurrence rates, white dwarf pollution & debris disks, detection & characterization of exoplanet transits or phase curves.

Our collaboration is friendly and supportive; applicants should have strong collaborative skills and want to contribute to our group’s positive climate. We work to improve the equity and inclusion within our group and department (https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/astro-dei) and encourage applications from folks with historically marginalized identities.

The postdoc in this position will have access to departmental telescope and computing facilities (http://www.lsa.umich.edu/astro/) and interdisciplinary research collaborations (e.g. https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/mi-planets/). The University of Michigan is recognized as a top academic employer and Ann Arbor, Michigan is routinely recognized for its high quality of life. Information about working as postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan can be found here: https://rackham.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/postdoc-handbook.pdf

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M Background Screening Statement

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, or a closely related field by the start of the position.

Application Instructions

All materials should be received by December 17th for full consideration. Applicants must have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, or a closely related field by the start of the position. Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter (maximum 1 page), curriculum vitae (including a list of publications), and brief statement of research interests (maximum 2 pages). Applications should be made via interfolio: http://apply.interfolio.com/157723. Please also arrange for three letters of recommendation, which will also be sent via interfolio. All questions should be directed to Dr. Mary Anne Limbach (mlimbach@umich.edu).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.