The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos expects two openings for post-doctoral positions starting fall 2010 in the areas of general relativity and quantum gravity. The initial appointment will be for one year and is expected to be renewed for another year subject to satisfactory progress and availability of funds. In exceptional cases it has been renewed also for a third year. The gravitational theory group consists of Abhay Ashtekar, Martin Bojowald, Murat Gunaydin and Radu Roiban. In addition Professors Roger Penrose, Jerzy Lewandowski, Alejandro Corichi and Stephon Alexander hold visiting professorships at the Institute. Successful candidates will be encouraged to interact also with mathematicians in the Center for Fundamental Theory and with members of the Center for Gravitational Wave Physics. During the current academic year, the Institute has approximately 20 post-docs (including Drs. Zhu Chen, Jacobo Diaz-Polo, Simone Mercuri, William Nelson, Tomas Liko, Luca Stefanini and Yi-Jun Yao in Fundamental Theory). For further information on the Institute, see http://www.gravity.psu.edu/
Current areas of research include Loop quantum gravity, mathematical, conceptual as well as phenomenological issues in cosmology, black hole dynamics, interface of analytical and numerical relativity, supergravity and gravitational aspects of string theory and non-commutative geometry. In particular, ideas from both loop quantum gravity and string theory are being applied to fundamental problems of cosmology, analysis of singularity resolution and the issue of information loss. More generally, the Institute provides a rare forum for stimulating exchanges of ideas between different approaches to quantum gravity.
Interested candidates should send a CV, a publication list and a statement of research interests/plans and arrange to have three recommendation letters sent directly to:
Randi Neshteruk
IGC Post-doc Applications
104 Davey Lab #258
Penn State
University Park, PA 16802-6300, USA
E-mail applications will be preferred provided the material is included as PDF file attachments. They should be sent to:
igc-application_at_gravity.psu.edu
The deadline for receipt of all application material is December 31st, 2009. Penn State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.