Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at Michigan State University working with Prof. Darryl Seligman on planetary and exoplanetary science. Potential areas of study are dark comets, interstellar objects and exoplanetary volcanism, but broader focuses will be considered. We encourage applications from candidates with no experience studying planetary science, and are open to candidates with diverse expertise, including—but not limited to—studies of any area of theoretical/observational astrophysics. MSU has a growing planetary and exoplanetary science group consisting of four faculty members with appointments in the astronomy group, and more in other departments;  the prospective postdoc will be part of a vibrant and growing planetary-focused research environment.

Prof. Seligman’s research group has active multi-wavelength programs to study dark comets in the Solar System. MSU has guaranteed access to the SOAR 4-m telescope in Chile, and members of Prof. Seligman’s group also have guaranteed access to a high performance computing facility. MSU's Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts a diverse group of faculty, postdocs, and graduate students, working in a variety of areas including observational, theoretical, and computational astronomy. Members of the department are also highly involved in outreach activities and community engagement, particularly at the MSU Observatory, which hosts a 24-inch reflector used for outreach, education, and research purposes.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in astronomy, physics, or a related subject by the appointment start. The initial appointment will be for two years and will be renewable for another year upon mutual agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -astronomy, physics, or a related subject

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in astronomy, physics, or a related subject by the appointment start.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV (please highlight leadership experience and community service, in addition to academic record), publication list, and a brief statement of research Interests (not to exceed 3 pages, excluding references). Applicants should also provide the contact information for at least 3 referees who will provide reference letters upon request.  All information should be uploaded to the web site careers.msu.edu using posting 1001940.  Review of materials will begin January 13, 2025.

Special Instructions

Inquiries about the position are actively encouraged (dzs@msu.edu)

Review of Applications Begins On

01/13/2025

Website

https://pa.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.