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Research Associate-Fixed Term

  • On Site
  • East Lansing, Michigan, United States
  • Physics-Astronomy 10032666
  • Area of Interest: Research/Scientific
  • Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (90-100%)
  • Group: Fixed Term Academic Staff
  • Union/Non-Union: Non-Union

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  • Faculty/Academic Staff
  • Closing at: Feb 1 2026 at 23:55 EST
  • Salary Commensurate with Experience
  • College Of Natural Science
  • 927629
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Position Summary

The TARDIS collaboration is actively applying and extending the Monte Carlo radiative-transfer open-science framework (https://tardis-sn.github.io/) to model the physics of astrophysical transients.  The group has a specific focus on Type Ia progenitor problems, nucleosynthesis in neutron star mergers, progenitors of stripped core-collapse supernovae, and cosmology using Type IIP supernovae.

We use data from current (ZTF, HST, JWST) and next-generation telescopes/surveys (LSST, WFIRST) to address scientific questions using machine learning and statistical methodology. Thus, the larger global TARDIS collaboration encompasses not only astrophysicists but also accomplished researchers in statistics, neural networks, and general machine learning. The group at MSU is jointly based in the Department of Physics and Astronomy as well as the new interdisciplinary Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering.

This group is actively developing an open-source framework that will allow for the analysis of transient event spectra at many phases. The group is looking for applicants to postdoctoral positions.

  • Conduct detailed studies on the physics of common envelope events in binary star systems with a specific emphasis on extending the TARDIS code to post-process hydro-simulations of these events providing synthetic spectra.
  • Studying the very late phase of Type Ia supernova through nebular spectroscopy and light curve. The project requires addition of microphysics and some comparison

The position’s scientific output relies heavily on the TARDIS radiative transfer framework, and successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the construction/maintenance of the framework.

The initial appointment will be for one year and will be renewable for two (and potentially more) additional years 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, which would be no later than Fall 2024. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

We particularly encourage applicants with a demonstrated track record in open science, including open-source software development and open data sets. Experience with radiative transfer methods is preferred, but not essential.

 

Required Application Materials

Applicants should submit a brief cover letter describing their interest in the position and optionally proposing personal research projects using TARDIS, CV including thesis title, publication list, if applicable: mentorship experience and/or contributions to open source/open science. Contact information for three people to provide reference letters upon request should also be included.

Applications should be submitted through the MSU hiring website (https://careers.msu.edu), posting 927629. 

Special Instructions

The selection process will begin February 12, 2024 and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

For any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Prof. Wolfgang Kerzendorf (wkerzend@msu.edu)

Review of Applications Begins On

02/12/2024

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.

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