Category: Positions

The Leibniz-Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP), Cosmography and Large-scale structure research group, invites applications for a Post-doctoral Researcher in Cosmology (w/m/d).

The position can focus on large-scale structure, galaxy formation, and the cosmic web. However research in the group is more expansive and includes dwarf galaxies, the structure and formation of the Milky Way, computational cosmology, observational cosmology, cosmographic reconstructions of the Local Universe and Constrained Simulations. We invite applicants with experience in either or both observations and simulations to apply.

The position is a research fellowship in the context of the Horizon-EU funded network including the Observatory at the University of Tartu (Estonia), the Kapteyn Institute of the Royal University of Groningen (The Netherlands), and The University of Lorraine (France). The position’s scope will also overlap within the Constrained Local UniversE Simulations (CLUES) collaboration, of which AIP is a node. In addition to the cosmography and large-scale structure group led by Dr Libeskind, the cosmology section at AIP includes Prof. Pfrommer and Dr Puchwein as well as around two dozen postdocs and students.

The start date is negotiable, but expected to be Fall 2024 or Winter of 2024/2025. The position will include generous travel and computing support. The initial appointment will be made for 2 years, with a possible extension, depending on performance and availability of funds. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field. Salary and benefits are standard for German academic institutions and set at the TV-L level E13. We also provide social benefits incl. company pension VBL as well as a subsidy for a so-called “job ticket” (ie for commuters).

To apply, please send a PDF file containing a research statement (up to 3 pages), a curriculum vitae and publication list, to Dr Noam Libeskind via bewerbung-2024-05(at)aip.de by November 1. Applicants should arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be sent to the same address by the same date. For questions on the position please contact Dr. Libeskind at nlibeskind(at)aip.de

Please find here full details.

A 1-year Research Assistant/Associate position in gravitational-wave cosmology. Application deadline 17th September. Contact Dr Rachel Gray (Rachel.Gray(at)glasgow.ac.uk) for more details.
A 1-year Research Associate position in optical coatings for gravitational wave detectors. Application deadline 17th September. Contact Dr Iain Martin (Iain.Martin(at)glasgow.ac.uk) for more details.
A Research Associate/Fellow position in data analysis development for the LISA gravitational wave observatory ground segment. Application deadline 19th September. Contact Prof. Graham Woan (Graham.Woan(at)glasgow.ac.uk) for more details.

Pre-announcements of job opportunities at ESA: the actual openings are always very short (3 weeks) so  people can mentally prepare for those positions before they come out. One of them is the Research Fellowship. The other two are not LISA related but might interest some of you, nevertheless.

1. Fellowships, the jobs application portal should open for submissions on 26 August with applications due 16 September.
2. Science Education Scientist & Communications Coordinator — the ESA jobs application portal should open by ~1 September, with applications due 3 weeks later. Detailed description below.
3. Project Scientist in Astronomy & RF Coordinator — the ESA jobs application portal should open mid-September with applications due 3 weeks later. Detailed description at end of text.

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Early Career Opportunities at ESA

Calls open to nationals of ESA member & cooperating states only

Student internships (3-6 months)

• applications due ~Oct
• master students (penultimate/final year)

National trainee programme (1+1 year)

• timelines determined by national agencies
• master students (final year/recent graduates) from Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal & Switzerland

Young graduate programme (1 year)

• applications due ~Jan/Feb for start in Sep
• master students (final year/recent graduates)

ESA co-funded research for PhD students & postdocs (1-1.5 years)

• applications accepted throughout the year

ESA Research Fellowships for postdocs

ESA Science Research Fellowship

What?

• independent postdoctoral fellowship for ESA State nationals
• research project covering any topic in space science
• 2 + 1 years (proposal for 3rd year extension)

Where?

• ESTEC (Netherlands), ESAC (Spain) or STScI (USA)

Why?

• 100% research time (optionally <20% functional work, e.g. archive/data
• science, citizen science, operations, calibration, communication)
• insights into ESA environment & activities
• mentoring from senior ESA Science Faculty members
• training available (e.g. spacecraft design, soft skills, management)
• 3500-4600€ net monthly salary (depending on location & experience)
• comprehensive health Coverage

contact: fellowship(at)cosmos.esa.int
Website: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/space-science-faculty/opportunities/research-fellowships

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— Science Education Scientist & Communications Coordinator —

We are pleased to announce an exciting upcoming opportunity at ESA Directorate of Science for an experienced science communicator & educator, to be at the forefront of bringing space into education and inspire future generations into STEAM. Get in touch if you have questions!
This is a pre-announcement for a Science Education Scientist and Communication Coordinator. This opportunity is open to ESA Member State nationals and will be based in Spain (European Space Astronomy Centre).

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to ‘Empower Europe to lead space science’.
The Science Communication and Education Section (SCI-EC) in the Office of Science Engagement and Oversight (SCI-E) is responsible for defining and implementing the Communication and Education Strategy for the Science Directorate of the European Space Agency. It leverages the technological advances and scientific output enabled by the Space Science missions with the aim to inform, engage and inspire a range of stakeholders (ranging from advisory bodies, media, scientists, general public and future generations).
In this role you will be responsible for coordinating and managing the CESAR education initiative – a joint initiative by ESA, the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) and the Ingeniería de Sistemas para la Defensa de España, S.A. (ISDEFE) – to promote and develop educational activities in Spain, Europe and beyond. In particular, you will be in charge of the definition, execution, monitoring and evaluation of education activities, getting to work in a dynamic team of science educators and communicators.
In addition, for up to 50% of your time, you will support the Head of the Science Communication and Education section in planning and implementing the optimal use of resources dedicated to communication and education, including placing contracts, defining and preparing clear procedures to ensure the smooth functioning and integration of our science communication and education activities.
Relevant technical competencies: experience in space science, experience in science communication and education, experience in project management. An advanced knowledge of Spanish and experience in international communications would be an asset.

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— Project Scientist in Astronomy & Research Fellows Coordinator —

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to ‘Empower Europe to lead space science’. The Office of Science Engagement and Oversight (SCI-E) oversees the scientific content of the Science programme and providing scientific expertise to Science missions, across all phases, from studies to operations and beyond. The Office also manages scientific research, scientific community engagement activities as well as the communication and education efforts for the ESA Directorate of Science.

In this role, the Project Scientist will update and implement policies for guest proposal submission and peer review to ensure a rigorous, transparent, fair and consistent approach across missions. They will also be responsible for strengthening the Space Science Research Fellowship Programme.

This job is particularly well suited to a scientist with a good understanding of and experience in inclusive practices in astronomy and astrophysics communities (and beyond), and an interest in the evolution of these practices to ensure ESA Science missions remain at the forefront of best practice, in particular, regarding Open Science.
Relevant technical competencies: active researcher in a relevant field of space science, knowledge of latest developments in Open Science and/or Peer Review, knowledge and experience in scientific space missions and payloads. Experience in coordinating the scientific community and managing multiple interfaces at international levels and experience in pro

The Gravitational Astrophysics Laboratory at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is seeking a research astrophysicist with expertise in metrology, precision measurement, and/or instrumentation for gravitational wave detection to support NASA’s participation in the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. Application Deadline: May 31st 2024.

This position is for a Research Astrophysicist (civil service scientist) Term Hire not to exceed 2 years with the option to extend to a maximum of 6 years, and the option to be made permanent without further competition.

LISA is a mission led by the European Space Agency to build and operate the first space-based observatory of gravitational waves with sensitivity in the millihertz band and a wide variety of applications in astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics. NASA’s contributions to LISA, which are being led by the Goddard Space Flight Center, include the delivery of critical instrument systems of telescopes and precision laser light sources.

The selected individual will work with the existing LISA team at Goddard, including scientists, engineers, project managers, and support staff to contribute to the successful delivery of the instrument systems. Duties will include designing and conducting verification and validation of instrument prototypes and flight models; contributing to system-level models of instrument performance; and interfacing with precision measurement scientists at ESA and other European partners. While support for LISA is the primary focus for this position, the employee will also have opportunities to propose self-directed research to study gravitational waves or other areas of astrophysics.

This will be a 2-step process. The first phase, through May 31, 2024, seeks declarations of interest in this position via a submitted letter of interest and other documents (see below). The second phase will be a USAJOBS posting, anticipated in June 2024. Those who respond during phase 1 will receive additional notification when the respective USAJOBS opportunity opens. Note that phase 1 is the ‘strongly encouraged’ phase and phase 2 is the ‘required’ phase.

The position will reside at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC.

US citizenship is required at the time of the Phase 2/USAJOBS application. Those who are expecting U.S. citizenship by the time of the Phase 2 opportunity are encouraged to submit materials during Phase 1, even if they do not yet have their U.S. citizenship. A Ph.D. degree is preferred. This is an early to mid-career position that will be posted at the GS-13 and GS-14 levels.

Interested applicants should contact Diana Elben (diana.m.elben(at)nasa.gov) by 5/31/2024. Please use the subject line “2024 LISA Precision Measurement Scientist”. Inquiries about the position may be addressed to Dr. John Baker at john.g.baker(at)nasa.gov. Additional application material will be required in Phase 2 via the USAJobs website; the USAJobs posting is anticipated sometime in June 2024.

Please find here details.

Louisiana State University is seeking outstanding candidates for the role of a Postdoctoral Researcher or Senior Postdoctoral Researcher for the theoretical modeling of superconducting qubit devices and hybrid quantum material systems with applications to quantum information science.

The postdoctoral researcher responsibilities will include conducting theoretical research on novel superconducting quantum information devices and material platforms, as well as numerical modeling of device data obtained from collaborations with experimental groups. Additionally, the researcher will assist in the mentoring graduate students, publish papers and present at conferences.

The Senior postdoctoral researcher responsibilities will also include leading theoretical research on novel superconducting quantum information devices and material platforms, as well as mentoring graduate students.

Minimum qualifications: (Both) Ph.D. in physics (Senior level) three years of related experience.

The position will be a part of the “Theory of Quantum Circuits & Materials“ group led by Professor Constantin Schrade. Applicants are encouraged to visit our group’s website (www.constantinschrade.com) for more information on our research focus and directions. For any inquiries about the position, please contact Professor Constantin Schrade directly at cschrade(at)lsu.edu.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The position is for up to two years, with a possibility to extending the contract further.

Additional Information:

The “Theory of Quantum Circuits & Materials“ at LSU is a newly established theoretical research group that works at the exciting intersection of superconducting quantum devices and quantum materials. As a senior member of the group, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to shape a welcoming group culture and you will significantly contribute to our overarching of goals developing new applications of quantum circuits and materials for quantum information applications. Moreover, you will also have the opportunity to acquire co-supervision experience for graduate students and other junior researchers.

Our group is part of the LSU’s Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Hearne Institute of Theoretical Physics, which focuses on cutting-edge research across many domains relevant to quantum information and material science. Moreover, through the group of Professor Jim Sauls (Hearne Chair of Theoretical Physics), LSU’s Department of Physics & Astronomy is closely linked to the DOE’s Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center.

LSU is situated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s vibrant capital, known for its rich cultural and culinary scene, mild winters, and proximity to the New Orleans metropolitan area.

Please find here full details.