Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Job Summary

Category
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution
Columbia University
Department
Columbia Astrophysics Laboratory
Number of Positions Available
1
Duration
1 Year
Could the duration be extended?
Yes
Work Arrangement
In-Person
In-Person Location(s)

Livermore, CA
United States

Job Description

Description

The Columbia University Astrophysics Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist position in experimental atomic physics.  The project is entitled “Line Survey and Density Sensitivity Studies in Support of Hinode, MUSE, and Solar-C”.  The successful candidate will join the group of Drs. Daniel Wolf Savin and Michael Hahn.  The experimental work will be carried out using the electron beam ion trap (EBIT-I) located at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA.  The research is being carried out in collaboration with the groups of Dr. Peter Beiersdorfer at the University of California Berkeley and Dr. Greg Brown at LLNL.

The successful candidate will be appointed at Columbia, but will be based at LLNL.  The appointment will be initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years; this is contingent upon the availability of funds and mutual satisfaction.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Physics, Applied Physics, or a related discipline.  Experience with atomic physics experiments and/or laboratory astrophysics is highly desirable.  Desired laboratory skills include single particle/photon detectors and the associated electronics (including CCDs, MCPs, and microcalorimeters); magnetically guided electron beams; understanding of accelerator physics; EUV, UV, and optical spectrometers; spectral analysis and line fitting; EBITs; and ultrahigh vacuum systems. Desired computer skills include programming; multidimensional data analysis; atomic structure and collision codes (e.g., FAC, CHIANTI); IGOR Pro; Python; IDL; Linux/Mac OS; and Windows OS. Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar CAD software is a plus.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in at least some of the areas listed above, a proven research ability, and evidence of future research potential.  They are expected to be able to work well independently and cooperatively with a team and to communicate the results of their research both orally and in writing.  Demonstrated written and oral communication skills are highly desirable. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation Type
Salary
Currency
467
Compensation Range
$72,116USD
Included Benefits

Standard benefits package available to postdoctoral researchers at Columbia University.

Application Details

Application Instructions
Applicants should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vita (including a list of publications) and a statement of past research (three-page limit). Applications can be submitted via email to [email protected]. In addition, they should arrange to have three letters of reference sent directly by the writers to [email protected]. Applications will be considered only after all of the requested material has been received. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about this position can be addressed to [email protected].
Publication Start Date
2026 Apr 22
Application Deadline
2026 Jul 21

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