POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE IN EXOPLANET, STELLAR, AND SOLAR RESEARCH

The Postdoctoral Researcher will work with Dr. Joe Llama on characterizing the intrinsic variability of stars to detect small exoplanets. The successful candidate will use data collected with the solar feed into the EXtreme PREcision Spectrograph (EXPRES) to develop models of the induced variability caused by surface magnetism on solar-type stars. The models will be applied to observations of the Sun, and other stars, obtained with planet planet-hunting spectrographs such as EXPRES, NASA’s NEID, and supplement these observations with other publicly available datasets.  The position is expected to be split with 80% of the time dedicated to the main program and 20% for any other research of the postdoc’s choosing. 

The initial appointment is for two years, renewable for a third year contingent upon satisfactory performance. The start date is negotiable. This position is funded by active grants and comes with a competitive salary with full benefits. Funding is available for computer resources, attending conferences, publication charges, and observing runs. Postdocs at the Observatory have access to our 4.3-m Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) including EXPRES, as well as several 1-m class telescopes. Lowell offers numerous opportunities for involvement in education and public outreach.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct original and novel research relevant to solar, stellar, and exoplanetary science.
• Attend regular meetings with team members.
• Ability to work independently.
• Lead publications relevant to this work.
• Present findings at scientific meetings.
• Conduct regular telescopic observations, either remotely or on site.
• There are opportunities for Lowell scientists to develop their science communication skills as part of the observatory’s education and public outreach mission.
• The postdoc is expected to reflect the professional and collegial environment the Observatory strives to maintain.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

A Ph.D. in Physics, Astrophysics, Heliophysics, or closely related field by the start date of the appointment.

Candidates with a background in stellar activity and analysis of radial velocity observations are highly encouraged to apply.

Regular meetings with project team members are expected, but in general the postdoc will be encouraged to work independently.  They must be able to prioritize tasks, set schedules, troubleshoot problems, and complete complex tasks on time and within deadlines.