Postdoctoral position in computational astrophysics

Position Summary

Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences invites applications for a Mendel Science Experience Post-doctoral Fellow within the Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science, in our research group. The Fellows program is designed to enhance the College’s teaching of science to non-science majors and to foster the professional research development of recent PhD recipients on a career path leading to faculty positions. The position begins in the Fall of 2016. Further information about the department can be found here.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Qualifications

Candidates with a PhD in astronomy, physics or a closely related field with research interest in stellar and/or extra-solar planet astrophysics are encouraged to apply. Applicants with strong background in computational astrophysics, programming in C and python, and spectroscopic data reduction and modeling will be particularly well suited for this position. The successful applicant will join our vibrant team and contribute to the group’s ongoing research in eclipsing binary science, exoplanets with Kepler/K2, building an open-source code PHOEBE and contributing to the ongoing and upcoming surveys such as Gaia, TESS, Plato and LSST. The applicant will also prepare and lead proposals for external funding that will open new research opportunities at Villanova, thus contributing to the growth and excellence of the group. In parallel, the applicant will team-teach a Mendel Science Experience (MSE) course with the sponsor every semester. The MSE courses are general non-science majors courses in the sciences. Detailed information on the MSE courses offered by Astronomy is available here. The applicant will also have the opportunity to develop a new MSE course and propose it for the permanent MSE offering. The Astrophysics Department prides itself in cutting edge undergraduate research. The applicant will partake in advising and educating undergraduate students, thus gaining experience in direction and mentoring.

Applying for the position

The application must include the application (cover) letter, the current and complete curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts of all graduate work and contact information for at least 3 references. Letters of recommendation and official transcripts will only be required for finalists. The cover letter should include a statement of career goals, a plan for research, and a plan for teaching. The review of applications begins upon receipt and continues until the position is filled. Apply for the position here.