Postdoctoral Researcher - Planet Formation and Theoretical Astrophysics
 The Pennsylvania State University | |
remote work
| |
 United States, Pennsylvania, University Park | |
| 201 Old Main (Show on map) | |
 Jul 23, 2025 | |
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work with Dr. Suvrath Mahadevan and collaborators. The proposed research lies in three subject areas: (1) further developing theories of tidal dissipation within the host stars of hot Jupiters, (2) exploring the hydrodynamics of planet-forming disks with binary companions, and (3) looking for signatures of tidal oscillations and tidal heating in exoplanets, tying predictions to observations with JWST. The applicant should strengthen first-principles planet formation theory within the department. Penn State is home to the Center for Exoplanets & Habitable Worlds and the Planetary System Science Center, and has a significant community of researchers who study exoplanetary and planetary science. Penn State is also home to the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos and its Center for Multimessenger Astrophysics, and the Swift Mission Operation Center, which includes members of several experiments, such as LIGO, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, and the HAWC TeV gamma-ray detector. Education and Experience A PhD in Astronomy, Physics, or a closely related field is required. Experience in planet formation and theoretical astrophysics would be a plus, judged by the applicant's publication record.Previous research in stellar astronomy, high-energy astrophysics, and gravitational wave astrophysics, is also desired. Additional Information Applications must be submitted electronically and include a statement of research interests, a CV, and a list of publications. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Information regarding benefits may be found at https://postdoc.psu.edu/resources/benefits-healthcare/. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines | |