Working at MIT offers opportunities, an environment, a culture – and benefits – that just aren’t found together anywhere else. If you’re curious, motivated, want to be part of a unique community, and help shape the future – then take a look at this opportunity.

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, to assume a position in the general area of X-ray astrophysics, with emphasis on spectroscopy. Will contribute to one or more ongoing projects and initiate new observational, archival, or theoretical programs. Members of the group work primarily with Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) spectra, but use a variety of data from Chandra X-ray imaging and spectroscopic instruments (high and low resolution) as well as X-ray, UV, optical, and infrared spectra from other ground and space-based observatories. A significant amount of time will be available to carry out self-motivated and collaborative research in an environment that includes Chandra HETG and ACIS research scientists under the unifying topic of high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy as applied to astrophysical observations in one or more areas of active galactic nuclei (AGN) and jets, supernova remnants, X-ray binaries, clusters of galaxies, the ISM and WHIM, and stellar astrophysics. The position also offers an opportunity to lead in the selection, analysis, and scientific interpretation of one or more Chandra/HETG guaranteed time observations.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics; initiative; AND experience working in modern astrophysics research, preferably in high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy, theory and modeling, and data analysis. Job #18059

Application material should include a CV, publications list, and statement of research interests (a 3-4 page summary of recent work including ongoing and planned projects) in a single pdf.  Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to dph@space.mit.edu. 

The appointment will be funded for two years, with the possibility of renewable for a third depending on performance and funding. The start date is negotiable, but nominally April 1, 2020.

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.

MIT considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.