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 (MKI), to perform observational research on clusters of galaxies with emphasis on AGN feedback and the astrophysics of the intracluster medium (ICM). Will work under the direction of Professor Michael McDonald. The interests of his research group include the physics and evolution of the ICM, the role that AGN feedback plays in this evolution, the co-evolution of galaxies and their environments, and the optical/IR and X-ray properties of distant SZ- and IR-selected galaxy clusters. Will primarily use data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory alongside supporting multiwave length data from a variety of other space- and ground-based telescopes.  Will be encouraged to pursue independent research projects and to collaborate with other researchers at MKI. MKI is a partner in the twin 6.5-m Magellan telescopes, which boast an array of world-class optical and infrared instruments and hosts active science teams for the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) and High-Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) on Chandra. Will be encouraged to propose for guaranteed observing time on Chandra and for MKI time on Magellan. Professor McDonald is a member of the South Pole Telescope consortium with privileged access to new data from the SPT-Pol survey and the SPT-3G survey which will discover thousands of new, distant galaxy clusters over the next few years. The SPT consortium has an MOU with eRosita, which would allow for the proposal of a joint SPT-eRosita project. 

Job Requirements

REQUIRED:  Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field. Experience with observational optical/IR and/or X-ray data highly desirable. Those with observational experience in other relevant wavebands, especially radio, mm, and far-IR, are encouraged to apply. Job #19019

Applicants should submit a single PDF file containing a CV, publications list, and a brief past+future research statement (no more than four pages). Please identify, in your application, three references and their contact info.  Letters will be requested from a subset of applicants. Application material must be submitted both via the MIT website and via email to Ms. Thea Paneth (tpaneth@mit.edu) by December 11, 2020. Questions may be directed to Professor McDonald at mcdonald@space.mit.edu.

The appointment is for two years with an extension to a third contingent on a performance review.