Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Computational Astrophysics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Colgate University invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellowship in Computational Astrophysics. The anticipated start is September 2024, although other start dates are possible. The fellowship is initially for one year, with the possibility of annual renewals for up to a total of three years, contingent on performance and availability of funds. The initial funding for this position comes from a grant awarded by the Picker Interdisciplinary Institute to a collaboration between Cosmin Ilie (Colgate University), Katherine Freese (UT Austin) and Andreea Petric (STScI).

What You Will Do as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow:

The main goal of our group is to use the fist stars and galaxies in the Universe as probes of Dark Matter. The postdoctoral researcher’s primary role will be the inclusion of heating from Dark Matter annihilations into the widely used Module for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA) code. For those interested, the option exists to supervise undergraduate students in research and to gain valuable teaching experience by occasionally guest lecturing at Colgate, an elite liberal arts college.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education: Completion of a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or related field prior to the start date of the position.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with using MESA and/or coding in Fortran.
• Familiarity with the basics of Dark Matter particle phenomenology.  

How to Apply:

Applicants should upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a brief (2-3 page) description of research interests through Interfolio at the following link . The CV should include a publication list and the names of three individuals who have been asked by the candidate to submit letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin on April 15th and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration applicants should submit all materials by April 15th. If you have any questions about the position, please email [email protected] . Colgate is able to sponsor a J-1 visa for this position. 

Why you should apply:

• Your work will help usher a new era in astronomy: the observational study of Dark Matter powered stars. 
• The position comes with dedicated funds for travel to collaboration meetings and other related workshops and conferences.
• You will be eligible for discretionary and publication funds from Colgate’s Research Council, both of which can be used to develop or further refine your independent research agenda.
• The opportunity to gain teaching experience and be mentored in teaching excellence at a top liberal arts college.