Contact: achua[AT]caltech.eduLocation: Pasadena, California, United States
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position at TAPIR (Theoretical Astrophysics including Relativity and Cosmology), Caltech. The position is largely funded by a NASA grant; its main focus is the modeling and analysis of extreme-mass-ratio binary inspirals, which will be a key class of source for the near-future ESA-NASA gravitational-wave mission LISA.
The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with Alvin Chua – visiting associate from the National University of Singapore (NUS) – and will join research groups that include faculty members Katerina Chatziioannou, Yanbei Chen, Mark Scheel and Saul Teukolsky, as well as JPL scientists Curt Cutler and Michele Vallisneri. In addition to LISA research, the candidate will have the opportunity to pursue topics in general relativity, relativistic astrophysics, gravitational-wave modeling and analysis for ground-based interferometers and pulsar timing arrays, computational statistics, and machine learning. Interactions with other TAPIR groups and the Caltech LIGO Laboratory are also encouraged.
Previous experience in source modeling and data analysis for gravitational-wave astronomy is beneficial, but not required. The ideal candidate will possess skills and interests in both theoretical and computational research, a willingness to diversify their expertise and to be involved in cross-disciplinary projects, as well as the disposition to work well independently and as part of a team. The initial appointment is for one year, with expected annual renewal for two additional years, and could start as early as September 2022. There is an opportunity for the final year of the position to be held at either Caltech or NUS.
Applicants should submit the following materials via Academic Jobs Online: a cover letter, their CV and list of publications, and a short statement of research. They should also arrange for three letters of reference to be uploaded. All materials should be received by March 31, 2022. Enquiries on the position can be addressed to Alvin Chua (achua[AT]caltech.edu) and Yanbei Chen (yanbei[AT]caltech.edu).