Job Opportunity: Postdoctoral Research Associate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

The Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the area of exoplanet exploration, including observational investigations and/or instrumentation development. The successful applicant will carry out independent research on the detection of exoplanets and characterization of exoplanetary systems and their parent stars, with emphasis on exploring the conditions for habitability.

Applicants must send a current CV with list of publications, contact information for 3 professional references, and a 1-2 page statement of research interests to Professor Jon A. Morse (jmorse@rpi.edu).

Potential applicants may wish to review the current research activities of the NY Center for Astrobiology at: http://www.origins.rpi.edu/origin.html

and consider how she/he could complement and enhance its portfolio, then include such ideas in the research statement.

Applicants must have a PhD (or foreign degree equivalent) in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, planetary science, or related field. The initial appointment is for 1 year beginning as early as July 2012, renewable for up to 2 additional years pending satisfactory review and availability of funding.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a strong institutional commitment to diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.