Postdoctoral Researcher in Stellar Astrophysics

University of Kansas Lawrence, KS , United States

Published Wed, 11/03/2021 - 3:39 PM Expiration Mon, 02/14/2022 - 12:00 AM or until the posting is filled


Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position to work with Professor Ian Crossfield and his ExoLab research group. Applications targeting any area of stellar or exoplanetary research are welcome, but are especially encouraged for topics focusing on the derivation of precise stellar parameters via stellar spectroscopy, particularly detailed stellar abundances. 

The successful applicant will work with both archival and newly-acquired spectroscopic data sets from Keck/HIRES, Keck/NIRSPEC, IRTF/iSHELL, and other facilities. The NSF- and NASA-funded project will focus on investigating abundance patterns in field stars and brown dwarfs to test models of Galactic Chemical Evolution, improve the precision of inferred stellar ages, and compare abundance patterns in exoplanet host stars to the makeup of these planets’ atmospheres (as inferred by JWST, HST, or other observations). Candidates are particularly sought who can demonstrate experience and/or interest in the analysis of stellar spectra and/or related data products, including the construction of model stellar atmospheres and/or stellar spectra, spectral synthesis, curve-of-growth analysis, or related efforts.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physics or a related field by their start date. The position is available as early as June 2022 for a period of three years and a possible extension, and come with funds for travel and research expenses. Start date is flexible. Applicants should send a cover letter, a description of research expertise and interests (as pertaining to the projects described above), and a curriculum vitae with names and email addresses of at least two references to Ian Crossfield (ianc@ku.edu). Applications received before Feb 15, 2022 will receive full consideration; review will continue until the position is filled. For more information and to apply go to http://employment.ku.edu/staff/20127BR

Lawrence, Kansas is a thriving, creative community less than an hour from Kansas City, that combines extremely high quality of life with low cost of living.  Lawrence was ranked last year as the Number One most-educated small city in the country, and is also in the top ten best small-art towns and top ten university performance spaces.  Live music, outdoor activities, sports, protected bike routes for commuting and recreation, a bustling municipal bus network, daily Amtrak train service to Chicago and Los Angeles.  The department also has a growing and active science outreach program, including regular local telescope viewings, a new planetarium system, and an upcoming digital-science program.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Director of the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).

Inquiries about job:
Attention To: Prof. Ian Crossfield
Subject: Postdoctoral Researcher in Stellar Astrophysics Inquiry
Email: ianc@ku.edu

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