Postdoctoral Scholar in Rapid Response Transient Astronomy with Swift
The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of The Pennsylvania State University has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar to work with Dr. Jamie A. Kennea on rapid response transient astronomy utilizing data from the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, and others.
A PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field is required. The position will entail work on a variety of cutting edge research topics investigating key questions in transient astrophysics, including rapid localization and detection EM counterparts of Gravitational Wave sources (e.g. Kilonova from NS-NS mergers), the search for X-ray and optical/UV counterparts of Fast Radio Bursts, and the detection and analysis of GRBs in X-ray and Optical/Ultra-violet utilizing taken with NASA’s Swift Satellite. The successful candidate will work on both the optimization of observing techniques, analysis of data, and publication of results.
Salary will be commensurate with experience. Previous experience with Swift data, or general X-ray, optical and UV astronomy data analysis of transient sources is desirable, in addition any experience in Gravitational Wave astronomy, GRB or FRB science would also be desirable.
Penn State is the lead institution for the ACIS instrument on Chandra and for the X-ray Telescope on the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The successful applicant will also have access to other Penn State facilities, including the Hobby-Eberly telescope. Penn State is also a lead institution in the detection of compact binary mergers with LIGO.
Applications must be submitted electronically and include a single PDF file containing a CV, publications list, and statement of research interests. In addition, please request three reference letters be sent to jak51@psu.edu. Applications will be reviewed beginning November 1, 2020 and will be accepted until the position is filled. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with possibility of renewal.
To review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters and policies, please go to https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports, which will also explain how to request a paper copy of the Annual Security Report
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Assistant Research Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics - XRT Instrument Scientist
The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of The Pennsylvania State University has an opening for an Assistant Research Professor to work as XRT Instrument Scientist for the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.
A PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field is required. The position will entail working to help maintain the operations of Swift’s X-ray Telescope (XRT), as well as working for the Swift Operations Team, including development of the new Swift Target-of-Opportunity API. In addition the successful applicant would be expected to pursue a broad range of science topics, focused on, but not limited to, analysis and publication of science results from Swift observations.
Salary will be commensurate with experience. Previous experience with Swift or X-ray data analysis and X-ray instrumentation is desirable. In addition experience with telescope operations, software development, particularly utilizing the Python language, will also be desirable.
Penn State is the lead institution for the ACIS instrument on Chandra and for the X-ray Telescope on the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The successful applicant will also have access to other Penn State facilities, including the Hobby-Eberly telescope. Penn State is also a lead institution in the detection of compact binary mergers with LIGO.
Applications must be submitted electronically and should include a single PDF file containing a CV, publications list, and statement of research interests. In addition, please request three reference letters be sent to jak51@psu.edu. Applications will be reviewed beginning on August 1, 2020 and will be accepted until the position is filled. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with the possibility of renewal.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/ , which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.