Contact: rxh1[AT]psu.eduLocation: Penn State, University Park, PA, USA
The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking to fill one or more post-doctoral scholar positions in the theoretical aspects of gravitational physics. The successful candidate will participate in the research programs led by Professors Abhay Ashtekar and Eugenio Bianchi. These include projects in classical general relativity, especially gravitational waves and cosmology; loop quantum gravity with emphasis on spin foams and loop quantum cosmology; all aspects of quantum black holes with emphasis on entanglement entropy and singularity resolution; and relation between loop quantum gravity and other approaches to quantum gravity and non-perturbative techniques in quantum field theory.
The larger gravitational theory group faculty includes Chad Hanna, Murat Gunaydin, Donghui Jeong, Radu Roiban, Sarah Shandera and B. Sathyaprakash. In addition Professor Alejandro Corichi holds a visiting appointment 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 Theoretical and Observational Cosmology. During the current academic year, the Institute has 18 post-docs (including Drs. Sydney Chamberlin, Brajesh Gupt, Duncan Meacher, Alejandro Satz, and Nelson Yokomizo in Gravitation and Cosmology). For further information on the Institute, see http://www.gravity.psu.edu/.
A Ph.D. in physics or a related field is required, with a research record showing a strong background in general relativity, and at least one of the other areas listed above. While the primary responsibility of the successful candidate(s) will be to carry out research in some of these areas, we also expect them to interact strongly with the other researchers in the gravity and cosmology group at Penn State. There may be opportunities to teach one course during the appointment. The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos offers significant additional resources for research expenses to exceptional candidates. They can be used for academic travel, computers, software, books, etc, entirely at the post-doctoral scholar’s discretion.
Applications must be submitted electronically at https://psu.jobs/job/66763 and include a cover letter, CV and statement of research interests. Applicants should arrange for three reference letters to be submitted to Randi Neshteruk at rxh1[AT]psu.edu indicating the appropriate job number in the subject line. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire, with possibility of re-funding. Review of applications will begin on December 5, 2016 and continue until suitable candidate(s) are found.
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