Job Information
Universities Space Research Association Postdoc Researcher, Multi-Messenger (Astrophysics) in Huntsville, Alabama
The USRA Science and Technology Institute (STI) is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Relativistic Astrophysics Team at NASA’s Marshal Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, AL. This team is composed of scientists from USRA, MSFC, and University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). This team takes part in active research in high-energy, gravitational-wave, time-domain, and multi-messenger astrophysics. Principally, this team operates the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM), which is an all-sky monitor of the hard X-ray and gamma-ray sky on-board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. GBM is most notable for providing the first detection of a merging binary neutron star system, GW170817, with a coincident detection in gravitational waves by LIGO. Additionally, the Relativistic Astrophysics Team is leading the development of the StarBurst Multi-messenger Pioneer mission, which will deliver more joint detections of binary neutron star mergers with LIGO, is involved in the US activities regarding the ESA-led LISA mission, and the Team is involved in other future high-energy mission proposals.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
The Postdoctoral Researcher will take part in a variety of research and operational tasks including:
Fermi GBM science operations
Collaboration and research with the LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA gravitational-wave collaboration, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, and a variety of multi-wavelength observatories
Open-source science tools development
Work with and help mentor undergraduate and graduate students on research projects
In addition, the Postdoctoral Researcher will be encouraged to pursue their individual research interests by applying for relevant grants, and they will be assisted and mentored by the Relativistic Astrophysics Team to advance their career.
Required Qualifications:
Education: Ph.D. in astronomy or physics required
Experience: 0-3 years of postdoctoral research experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
A background in high-energy or multi-messenger astrophysics is desired, and particularly experience with gravitational-wave data is highly valuable.
Applicants with knowledge in advanced statistical modeling or extensive experience with open-source software development will be given special consideration.
Experience with Python is desired, and experience with any of the other languages merits special consideration (FORTRAN, C, and C++).
Working Conditions: This job operates in a professional office. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. This is largely a sedentary role. This position may require extended work hours (evenings, weekends) to meet deadlines.
Travel: Negligible – attending scientific conferences 1-2 times per year
This position is contingent upon funding.
Applicants should apply for the position at USRA Careers and include a letter of interest, resume, or curriculum vitae. Additional information on USRA can be found at www.usra.edu .
USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.