Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at Michigan State University working with Prof. Adina Feinstein on infrared transmission spectra of young planet atmospheres. This study is funded by the JWST KRONOS (Keys to Revealing the Origin and Nature Of sub-neptune Systems) program - a team of US and international collaborators focused on understanding how planetary atmospheres evolve. The objective of the study will be to reduce and analyze JWST and complimentary ground-based transit observations of planets with ages between 23-200 Myr to determine the near-primordial composition of exoplanet atmospheres. We encourage applications from candidates with diverse expertise, including - but not limited to - studies of exoplanet atmospheres, starspot properties, and/or stellar flares, and reduction or analysis of transit observations at any wavelength (including optical, UV, and IR).

Prof. Feinstein's research group has active multi-wavelength programs to study both young planetary atmospheres and stellar flares from young planet-hosting stars. MSU has guaranteed access to the SOAR 4-m telescope in Chile. Members of Prof. Feinstein's group will have guaranteed access to a high-performance computing facility. MSU's Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts a diverse group of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students, working in a variety of areas including observational, theoretical, and computational astronomy. Members of the department are highly involved in outreach activities and community engagement, particularly at the MSU Observatory (24-inch reflector) located on campus.

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. Inquiries about the position are actively encouraged (adina@msu.edu). The starting date is negotiable, with a preferred period between July 2025 and October 2025.

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 1-page cover letter, CV with publication list, and a brief statement of research interests (3 pages, including figures and excluding references). The CV should highlight leadership experience and community service, in addition to academic record. Applicants should also provide the contact information for at least 3 people who will provide reference letters upon request. All information should be uploaded to the website careers.msu.edu using posting #999998. Review of materials will begin Thursday, January 23, 2025.

Special Instructions

Inquiries about the position are actively encouraged (adina@msu.edu). The starting date is negotiable, with a preferred period between July 2025 and October 2025.

Review of Applications Begins On

01/23/2025

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.