Contact: ccrg-postdoc[AT]ccrgweb.rit.eduLocation: Rochester, USA
The recent observations of a binary neutron star merger using both gravitational wave interferometers as well as electromagnetic telescopes across the full spectrum have initiated the age of multi-messenger astronomy and astrophysics.
As part of NSF collaborative projects, the RIT’s Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation (CCRG) is currently seeking to fill a postdoctoral research position with highly qualified individuals interested pursuing research in the multimessenger analysis and interpretation of neutron star mergers.
We are particularly interested in applicants with expertise in hydrodynamical simulations of binary merger, relativistic outflows, and nucleosynthesis. Expertise in detailed, self-consistent simulations of electromagnetic emission is also highly desired. We are interested in performing “event-based” simulations, using parameters informed by specific LIGO/Virgo detections, and thereby permitting much closer comparison with observables, in order to interpret current and future multi-messenger observations by a wide array of current and future detectors. Successful applicants will work closely with and regularly visit collaborators at the Center for Theoretical Astrophysics (CTA) at Los Alamos National Lab (LANL). Here, they will consult with the experts on nuclear equations of state, r-process nucleosynthesis, atomic opacities and detailed radiative transfer to produce realistic predictions which can be compared with observations. To ensure efficient and productive collaboration, successful applicants
should be prepared to spend significant percentage of time at LANL during the year.
Senior scientists in the CCRG include Manuela Campanelli (Director), Joshua Faber, Carlos Lousto, Richard O’Shaughnessy, Jason Nordhaus, Yosef Zlochower, Sukanya Chakrabarti, John Whelan, and Hans-Peter Bischof, several postdoctoral fellows and Ph.D. students (see http://ccrg.rit.edu/people for an overview on who is or has been at CCRG).
The group is involved in several large collaborations, including the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC), The Einstein Toolkit Consortium (http://einsteintoolkit.org) and a NASA Theoretical and Computational Astrophysics Network (TCAN) devoted to the simulation of neutron star mergers. CCRG researchers have access to several computing cluster facilities at national computing centers such as XSEDE and the NCSA’s Blue Waters Supercomputer (with an allocation of over 160MSUs), as well as a dedicated over 3000-core cluster hosted at the Center. The Center for Theoretical Astrophysics at LANL is directed by Chris Fryer. Subject experts include Chris Fontes, Aimee Hungerford, Joshua Dolence, Wesley Even, Ryan Wollaeger, Matthew Mumpower, Jonas Lippuner, Jonah M. Miller, W. Thomas Vestrand, Przemek Wozniak, and others (see https://ccsweb.lanl.gov/astro/index.html#team). Experts at LANL CTA are involved in various large collaborations, including LIGO and LISA, several gamma-ray astronomy programs, and gravitational-wave counterparts search and follow-up campaigns.
More information about the CCRG is available at http://ccrg.rit.edu/. And about Rochester at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochester,_New_York
Applications should consist of a cover letter, a brief statement of research interests, a curriculum vitae including publication list, and at least three letters of recommendation. All materials should be sent electronically as soon as possible to: oshaughn[AT]main[dot]rit[dot]edu with a copy to ccrg-postdoc[AT]ccrgweb.rit.edu. For an overview of all job openings at CCRG please go to: http://ccrg.rit.edu/spotlight/jobs.
Enquiries can be addressed to
Richard O’Shaughnessy, oshaughn[AT]mail[dot]rit[dot]edu Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation, School of Mathematical Sciences, and School of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) 85 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, New York 14623 USA
Review of completed applications will begin as soon as available and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Starting date can be as early as September, 2019. RIT is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.