Postdoctoral Research Positions at Penn State Center Exoplanets & Habitable Worlds

Position Type: Full-Time

Posted: November 30, 2025

Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Hiring Department: Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics & Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds (CEHW), Penn State University

Location: State College, PA

Position Status: Term appointment; length discussed during interview. Continuation depends on university need, performance, and funding availability.

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and CEHW at Penn State are seeking Postdoctoral Researchers to join their teams. Successful applicants will contribute to projects such as:

• Planning, executing, analyzing, and conducting science for planet surveys (e.g., Habitable Zone Planet Finder on the 10m Hobby‑Eberly Telescope, NEID instrument on 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 exoplanet atmospheres and surfaces using JWST
• Participating in SETI research
• Advancing precision spectroscopy and radial velocity instrumentation for terrestrial planet detection

Postdoctoral researchers will work with teams of students and Ph.D. researchers, pursue independent research, and contribute to department outreach initiatives.

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, Statistics, or a related field prior to the start date
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent or collaborative research

• Cover letter (indicating preferred faculty mentor(s))
• Statement of research interests
• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Letters of reference (PDF) uploaded via CEHW Reference Upload

Application Review:
Begins January 4, 2026. Applications received by January 3, 2026, receive full consideration. Review continues until positions are filled.

Contact for Questions: astro-jobs (include Job Number REQ_ in the subject line)

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support personal and professional well‑being. More information is available here.

• Work primarily in office and laboratory settings
• Reasonable accommodations provided for qualified individuals with disabilities

Penn State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.