For more information and to apply, go to the uacareers.com website and use posting number P20496

The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position to work with Dr Daniel Apai on the formation and properties of exoplanet populations. Dr. Apai is the Principal Investigator of the NASA Nexus for Exoplanet System Science team Earths in Other Solar Systems (EOS, http://otherearths.org), a large and interdisciplinary team led by The University. The EOS team is exploring the formation of earth-like planets around other stars. EOS connects state-of-the-art constraints on planet formation (from astrophysical measurements and laboratory studies of primitive solar system material), observations and statistical studies of exoplanets and populations of exoplanets, with cutting-edge protoplanetary disk evolution and planet formation models.

The successful candidate’s primary task will be to work on the interface of observational/experimental constraints and model predictions on exoplanet populations and properties, with particular emphasis on planetary habitability. Candidates should have a recent PhD in astronomy/physics or closely related fields and a strong background in observational and/or theoretical studies of exoplanets, exoplanet populations, or planet formation. In particular, we welcome applicants with interdisciplinary research interests.

In addition to EOS, Dr Apai’s group is engaged in a range of exoplanet search and characterization projects, including extreme adaptive optics surveys, transiting exoplanet searches, and time-resolved high-precision spectroscopic mapping of exoplanets and brown dwarfs. The successful applicant with relevant experience will have the opportunity to participate in one of more of these projects.

This is a year-to-year position expected to last two years (and potentially a third year). Renewal of the position is subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

UA/SO offers a world-class research environment in ground and space-based astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the departments of astronomy, physics, and planetary sciences. The successful candidate will have access to high-end, local supercomputing resources and access to powerful array of ground-based telescopes, including the Magellan, MMT, LBT, and Bok telescopes.

For more information and to apply, go to the uacareers.com website and use posting number P20496