Archived Job Ad

Astrophysics Postdoctoral Research Positions at JPL - Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

No. 24845
Position/Title: Astrophysics Postdoctoral Research Positions at JPL
Institution: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Submit Resumes To:
Attention: Dr. Paul F. Goldsmith
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
MS 180-703
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099
USA

Tel: 818-393-0518

URL1:
URL2:
URL3:

Email Inquiries: Paul.F.Goldsmith@jpl.nasa.gov

The closing date for receipt of applications: 12/07/2008 (Application date has passed)


Job Description:

Postdoctoral Research Positions at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). You are invited to apply for one or more postdoctoral positions in astrophysics research related to the upcoming Hershel Space Observatory mission. These positions will involve carrying out observations and developing models and software tools for analysis and interpretation of data on interstellar medium, molecular clouds, cloud cores, and star formation. In particular this work will be preparation for data coming from the Herschel Space Observatory, currently scheduled for launch at the end of 2008. Scientists at JPL have a major involvement in this mission and have guaranteed observing time (GT) and include two PIs for Herschel Open Time Key Projects (OTKP). One OTKP, led by Dr. Paul Goldsmith, targets interstellar oxygen chemistry, and the other, led by Dr. William Langer, studies the state of the Galactic diffuse ISM. In preparing for and exploiting data from Herschel, a variety of auxiliary observations will be critical, including submillimeter spectral line and continuum data obtained using facilities including the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory, to which JPL staff have access, the CARMA interferometric array, and other telescopes.

The individual(s) in these positions will be expected to carry out his/her program of research and to collaborate with other staff members in observations leading to and complementary to Herschel, as well as participating in activities associated with the Herschel GT and OTKP. Candidates should have experience in some combination of the following, mm/submm observations, data reduction, and modeling of physics, chemistry, excitation, and radiative transfer in the interstellar medium. Experience developing software is highly desirable. Paul Goldsmith, Senior Research Scientist in JPL’s Astrophysics and Space Sciences Directorate, or William Langer, Senior Research Scientist in JPL's Engineering and Science Directorate, will serve as JPL postdoctoral advisor to the selected candidate(s). The appointee will be guided by the JPL postdoctoral advisor to ensure that the research work will result in publications in the open literature.

The appointment is contingent upon evidence of completion of a PhD. The annual starting salary for a recent Ph.D. is US$52,000 and can vary somewhat according to the applicant’s qualifications. Postdoctoral positions are awarded for a one-year period. Appointments may be renewed in one-year increments for a maximum addition of two years. Please send a letter describing research interests, a curriculum vitae, and a list of three references (with telephone numbers, Email, and postal addresses) to Dr. Paul F. Goldsmith, JPL, MS 180-703, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena CA 91109-8099 USA; Tel: +1-818-393-0518 or email Paul.F.Goldsmith@jpl.nasa.gov, or, to Dr. William D. Langer, JPL, MS 180-500, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099; or email William.Langer@jpl.nasa.gov.

JPL and Caltech are equal opportunity/ affirmative action employers. Women, Minorities, veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply.

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