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Postdoctoral Scholar - Astronomical Adaptive Optics - Astronomy Department

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Position description

The UC Berkeley Astronomy Department invites applicants for postdoctoral research positions to work with Prof. Jessica R. Lu as member of the project science team for the Keck All-sky Precision Adaptive-optics (KAPA) project. The successful candidate will develop performance predictions, science simulation tools, and calibration techniques such as PSF reconstruction for multiple KAPA science cases including studies of the supermassive black hole at the Galactic Center and hunting for stellar-mass black holes using astrometric microlensing. The postdoc will also help conduct the first KAPA commissioning and science verification observations.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to collaborate with members of the W. M. Keck Observatory and KAPA science team members from UC, Caltech, and Univ. of Hawaii. The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to mentor students, interact with UC Berkeley faculty, design and test new AO experiments, and participate in observing programs using University of California facilities (Keck and Lick).

The position, starting in Summer or Fall of 2020, is for two years, full time, with renewal for a third year contingent on performance and funding.

Basic/Minimum Qualification (at the time of application): PhD or equivalent international degree or enrolled in PhD or equivalent international degree program.

Additional Qualification (by the start date): A PhD degree or equivalent international degree.

Preferred Qualifications:
A PhD degree or equivalent international degree in astrophysics, physics, or related fields.

Salary and Benefits:
Salary range is $50,760 - $60,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The department is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their work. UC Berkeley offers excellent health and welfare packages. It also has a number of policies and programs in place to support employees as they balance work and family.

Information on available plans and eligibility can be found at: https://clients.garnett-powers.com/pd/uc/

To apply:
Please submit applications electronically at https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF02399. Applicants should also request three letters of reference. For questions contact Emily Martinez at emartinez24@berkeley.edu

All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality (http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html) prior to submitting their letters.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:
http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Bibliography

  • Statement of research interest and plans

Reference requirements
  • 3 letters of reference required

Job location

Berkeley, CA