Contact: Michele.Vallisneri[AT]jpl.nasa.govLocation: Pasadena, California, USA
The Caltech-JPL Gravitational Wave Pulsar-Timing Array group invites applications for one or more postdoctoral appointments in GW detection with pulsar-timing arrays. This position is one of several funded through the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOGrav), an NSF Physics Frontier Center (http://nanograv.org). The goal of the NANOGrav PFC is to open an observational window on the low-frequency GW Universe.
The Gravitational Wave-Pulsar Timing Array group at Caltech-JPL conducts research on a broad range of topics: we conduct pulsar-timing observations, we analyze pulsar-timing data to search for GWs from different classes of sources, we explore the astrophysics of nanoHertz GW sources and their environments, and we develop next-generation algorithms for GW detection and noise characterization (most notably of interstellar propagation effects).
In this search, we theorists/data analysts, as well as radioastronomers interested in timing pulsars with telescopes including Arecibo, Green Bank, the JPL Deep Space Network, and other large international observatories.
Our postdoctoral researchers are part of a diverse community of NANOGrav members in the United States and Canada, and benefit from collaboration with researchers at a range of institutions; they play a large role in the work of the International Pulsar Timing Array, and have ample opportunities for international travel and collaboration. In addition, they enjoy close interactions with the theorists within Caltech’s astrophysics group, and with LIGO researchers at Caltech’s LIGO lab.
The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of renewal for two additional years, and could start as early as 2017 January. Salary and benefits are competitive (comparable to national fellowships). To apply, please send a CV, publication list, and statement of research, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to Michele Vallisneri (Michele.Vallisneri[AT]jpl.nasa.gov) before December 1st, 2016. Consideration of applicants will begin immediately. Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.