Postdoctoral Fellowship in Solar System Science

Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) seeks to recruit a postdoctoral research fellow specializing in Solar System science.

LCO’s global, robotic telescope network was custom-built specifically for time-domain astronomy. Our 25 robotic telescopes provide instant access to the sky in both hemispheres. Postdoctoral fellows at LCO join a unique environment that is a public/private partnership conceived from some of the best ideas at companies like Google and Apple, but in an academic setting consisting of in-house scientists and engineers. Our staff scientists lead a diverse range of research in Solar System astronomy, particularly Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), comets and software coordination of follow-up (Dr. Tim Lister), exoplanets, galactic science and astronomical software (Dr. Rachel Street); and the characterization of explosive transients, tidal disruption events, and gravitational waves (Prof. Andy Howell). They have established multi-national networks of collaborators where the successful applicant would be welcomed as a partner.

LCO scientists are active contributors to preparations for a range of major new surveys and missions that promise to be transformative for time domain and multi-messenger astrophysics.  LCO’s Solar System group takes advantage of our global network to monitor cometary outbursts and track Near-Earth Asteroids.  LCO played a key role in measuring the impact of NASA’s DART mission and Dr. Lister is a Participating Scientist in ESA’s Hera mission. Our Solar System group also plays a leading role in the Solar System Science Collaboration for the NSF/DOE’s Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

LCO postdoctoral fellows have the opportunity to gain experience and familiarity with all aspects of these surveys/missions, and will be well positioned to explore their scientific results.  LCO postdocs also benefit greatly from interactions with the Astrophysics group within the Physics Dept. at UC Santa Barbara and the Kavli Institute of Theoretical Physics.

LCO leads astronomy in enabling responsive, real-time observing programs for a wide range of science, and in making our advanced observing software tools available to the wider community.  For example, LCO’s TOM Toolkit package is designed to make it easy for anyone to take advantage of these tools, and customise a powerful observing database system to their own science goals.  The successful candidate will have the opportunity to enhance their software skills in partnership with our professional software engineers.  LCO is also a founding member of the Astronomical Events Observatories Network (AEON), which optimizes software and operations among collaborating observatories, giving postdocs programmatic access to significantly larger apertures, including facilities such as SOAR and Gemini, for time domain follow-up.

A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline is required by the start of employment. Astronomical software development experience, preferably in Python, is desirable.

The postdoctoral appointment will be for a two-year term, starting in September 2026 or earlier, with likely extension for a third year, based on satisfactory evaluations. The successful applicant will be an employee of LCO.  LCO is a private, non-profit corporation, based in Santa Barbara, California.

LCO is an Equal Opportunity employer. Our mission is to advance our understanding of the universe through science and education with our unique global telescope network. Our culture is global by nature and inclusive by design. Our people come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, providing the fuel that powers innovation and the success of our mission. We are actively engaged in building and nurturing a culture that is welcoming and inclusive of people from diverse backgrounds with regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability and veteran status.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. Please let us know if you would like to disclose a need for accommodation in connection with the recruitment and hiring process. If so, you may contact us at the email address listed below.