Postdoctoral position in active galactic nuclei

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at Vanderbilt University to work in the group of Prof. Jessie Runnoe.

The successful applicant will contribute to a research program on AGN, including changing-look quasars and supermassive black hole binaries. This position includes access to the SDSS V collaboration and proprietary data.

There are ample resources available to Vanderbilt Astrophysics: a new Data Science Institute, the Vanderbilt Initiative in Data-Intensive Astrophysics, and the state-of-the-art computing cluster cluster with ~10,000 cores and cutting-edge GPU resources.  The department has a strong community of extragalactic astronomers with expertise in supermassive black holes, galaxy clustering, and gravitational waves.   

Vanderbilt University has a strong institutional commitment to fostering excellence through an academically and culturally diverse community of scholars.  Candidates with experience or goals in equity, diversity, and inclusion in mentoring, research, or service are welcome.

This is a fixed-term appointment for one year starting summer/fall 2021, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years.  It offers a competitive salary, full benefits, and research budget. 

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or equivalent, by the date of appointment. Experience with quasars and/or optical spectroscopy would be an advantage, although all exceptional candidates will be considered.

Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, publications list, and research statement (max. 3 pages) as a single PDF to jessie.c.runnoe at vanderbilt.edu and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly to the same email by the deadline.  

Vanderbilt University is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and underrepresented minority candidates are encouraged to apply.