"Postdoctoral Fellowship in Stellar Astrophysics"

Position Summary

Villanova University's Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science invites applications for the NSF-sponsored postdoctoral research fellowship. A successful applicant will join Andrej Prsa's research team and work on the PHOEBE code, advancing our understanding of the processes in contact binary stars. In parallel, the applicant will be given an opportunity to teach an undergraduate core science course/lab, where the stress is on incorporating four critical components in a meaningful way: problem solving, laboratory experience, technology and quantitative tools, and interdisciplinary understanding. While the teaching component is entirely optional, it is offered to provide development and growth in the applicant's teaching. Finally, the applicant will join the Departmental ecosphere and participate in shaping the future of research and education at Villanova. The fellowship includes a 12-month salary, a travel budget and full employee benefits. The postdoctoral fellowship is a 3-year appointment, renewed annually under the condition of satisfactory performance and continued mutual interest.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

A successful applicant will be expected to:

• demonstrate the highest regard for the diverse, equitable and inclusive Departmental culture and uphold the true and complete respect for all students, staff and faculty;
• work with PHOEBE developers and contribute significantly to the PHOEBE code base and to the organization of PHOEBE summer workshops;
• focus on the state-of-the-art research in contact binary physics, namely the flow of mass and energy across the common envelope and the consequent dynamical equilibrium processes;
• work on formulating an atmosphere model for contact binary stars;
• partake in research that connects theoretical models and observational data from space-borne missions (most notably Kepler and TESS);
• be proficient in computational astrophysics, astrostatistics, and/or exoplanetary science;
• participate in Departmental affairs: meetings, colloquia, events and functions. This includes working with and counseling undergraduate students, contributing to public events and advancing the Department's reputation and renown locally, nationally and internationally;
• (*optional*) teach 1 or 2 sections of the core science courses or labs per semester (currently "How old is the Universe?", "Life in the Universe", "Planetary skies and landscapes", "Birth and Death of Stars", "Earth - our habitable world", and "Earth - a cosmic connection").

Minimum Qualifications

• A PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, Data Science or a closely related discipline is required.
• Strong proficiency with programming, especially in python and optionally in C/C++.
• Strict adherence to open source software and open science models.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a large development team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching: prior experience in teaching STEM classes to non-STEM majors is desired.
• Research: strong track record in physics, astrophysics, statistics and programming is desired.
• Service: ability to work with colleagues and to demonstrate diversity awareness is desired.

Special Message to Applicants

The Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science will start reviewing applications on February 1, 2024, but will keep accepting applications until the position is filled. The target starting date is June 1, 2024, with the possibility of shifting to both earlier and later dates, depending on the applicant needs/availability.

All applicants must apply online and complete a faculty profile. Applications must include:

1. A cover letter expressing interest in the position.
2. A current and complete resume/curriculum vitae.
3. A research statement.
4. A statement of commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
5. Two letters of recommendation; the system will request the letters directly from the references when appropriate in the process.

If the applicant wishes to submit any other supporting documentation, they may submit them online in conjunction with the application.

Salary Posting Information

Competitive.