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Postdoctoral Research Position in Astrophysics
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in the Astrophysics Division of the MIT Physics Department to work with Professor Anna Frebel on observational nuclear astrophysics topics related to the study of the origins of the elements through high-resolution spectroscopic observations and chemical abundances measurements of metal-poor stars.
Applicants with experience and skills in high-resolution spectroscopy, stellar abundance studies, metal-poor stars, stars in dwarf galaxies, nucleosynthesis and nuclear astrophysics are especially encouraged to apply. Strong writing and coding skills are desirable.
The successful applicant will lead and participate in ongoing (remote) observing programs of the most metal-poor stars with the Magellan Telescope. The applicant is also expected to become part of a small nuclear astrophysics collaboration which will require regular travel within the US for collaboration meetings and extended joint project work. Funding for travel and publications will be provided to the successful applicant.
Small amounts of time may also be used for independent projects that are closely related to nuclear astrophysics topics and which would complement or extend the collaboration projects. Any project ideas may be outlined as part of the application.
The Astrophysics Division at MIT provides a friendly and stimulating work environment with ~45 postdocs, ~45 graduate students, and 18 faculty, who all have access to many facilities including the 6.5m Magellan Telescope at Las Campanas, Chile, in which MIT is a partner institution, as well as MIT computing resources.
The position is for two years, renewable for a third year upon mutual agreement and funding availability. The starting date can be between June 1 and October 1, 2025. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or nuclear physics by the date of appointment.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, list of publications, and a statement (2-3 pages) explaining their research experience, interests and ideas, skills and qualifications related to the abovementioned topics by December 1, 2025. All materials (preferably as one single pdf file) and any inquiries should be sent by email to afrebel@mit.edu. In addition, applications should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to afrebel@mit.edu.
Related URLs:
http://web.mit.edu/astrophysics/