Postdoctoral Research Positions at Penn State Center Exoplanets & Habitable Worlds

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and the Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds at Penn State invite applications for one or more Postdoctoral Researcher positions. Successful applicants will work with CEHW faculty on theoretical, observational, and/or instrumentation projects.

We are particularly interested in applicants who can contribute to:

• Planning, execution, analysis, and science for planet surveys such as the near‑infrared radial velocity survey using the Habitable Zone Planet Finder on the 10m Hobby–Eberly telescope and the high‑precision RV survey of solar‑type stars with NEID on the WIYN 3.5m telescope.
• Improving technology, algorithms, and data analysis to mitigate stellar activity.
• Precursor science for the Habitable Worlds Observatory using NEID and/or HPF.
• Characterizing the atmospheres and surfaces of exoplanets using JWST.
• Conducting the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
• Advancing instrumentation and techniques for precision spectroscopy and radial velocity to enable detection of terrestrial‑mass planets with existing instruments and developing new instrumentation and experiments.

The successful applicant will contribute to a team of students and Ph.D. researchers, have opportunities to pursue independent research, and participate in the department’s scientific and public outreach efforts.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, Statistics, or a related field prior to the start date. The position start date is flexible. Candidates must provide a cover letter (clearly stating the primary faculty member(s) with whom they would like to work) accompanied by a statement of research interests, a CV, and a list of publications.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. Information regarding benefits may be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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 .

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