Employment Opportunities

Postdoctoral Position in Neutron Scattering from Confined and Driven Quantum Materialsution

A postdoc position is available in a project that will probe static and dynamic properties of confined and driven quantum materials through materials synthesis and neutron scattering. This work will be supervised by Collin Broholm and Satoru Nakatsuji at the Institute for Quantum Matter at the Johns Hopkins University. A PHD in physics is a requisite and experience in thin film synthesis or neutron scattering will be advantageous.

Applications, including CV, a list of publications, and 3 references should be sent to http://apply.interfolio.com/143003. Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

Postdoc Benefits https://provost.jhu.edu/education/postdoctoral-affairs/postdoc-wellness-benefits-and-policies/


Postdoctoral Researcher in Galaxy Evolution

We invite applications for a postdoctoral fellow/assistant research scientist in galaxy evolution at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. The successful applicant will work with Drs. Molly Peeples and Jason Tumlinson at JHU’s Center for Astrophysical Sciences (CAS) and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), and with their network of collaborators.

Our research group is currently focused on using cosmological hydrodynamic simulations to understand the co-evolution of galaxies and their gaseous and stellar halos. We employ a combination of simulations, analytic modeling, and comparisons to observation, and we welcome applicants with interests in all areas of theoretical studies of galaxy evolution. The open position is targeted at a junior scientist with a primarily theoretical background, including numerical simulations, but we are especially interested in applicants with an interest in creating synthetic observations and interpreting real ones. Time will be available for independent research or new projects in related areas.

The nominal start date is September 2024, with an initial appointment of two years and an expected renewal of up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. A start date as late as Spring 2025 is negotiable. The competitive starting salary depends on year of PhD and level of expertise and includes a relocation package.  Benefits are included (health insurance, life insurance, and retirement) at the faculty level for JHU.  The postdoc will also have full access to the postdoctoral career mentoring programs based at both JHU and STScI. We especially welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+ people, and other members of underrepresented groups. Questions about the position should be directed to molly@stsci.edu and tumlinson@stsci.edu. More about our group can be found at https://foggie.science/.

Requirements:  Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in astronomy or a related field. Expertise in one or more of the following areas is desirable: (a) hydrodynamic physics and simulations in any modern code framework, (b) galaxy evolution, (c) the circumgalactic medium, (d) stellar population synthesis, (e) connecting synthetic data to observations, and (f) code development in a team-based and/or open-source environment. We are specifically looking for an applicant with an interest (but not necessarily expertise) in generating, analyzing, and interpreting synthetic data for topics including, but not limited to, ionization modeling of outflows, IFU emission-line maps, resolved stellar populations, galaxy images, the CGM in emission and absorption, slitless spectroscopy, and HI galaxy maps.

Please email a single PDF to molly@stsci.edu and tumlinson@stsci.edu with the following information:

1) a cover letter indicating interest in the position, including a summary of relevant previous work and work in prep;

2) a list of references; and

3) a curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.

Applications received by Monday, April 1, 2024 will be given full consideration, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Johns Hopkins University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community.


Postdoctoral Position in Star Formation in Nearby Galaxies with PHANGS HST & JWST

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) and Johns Hopkins University (JHU) invites applications for multiple postdoctoral researchers to work with Dr. Janice C. Lee (STScI), Dr. David Thilker (JHU) and the PHANGS collaboration in the area of star and cluster formation in nearby galaxies. 

The PHANGS collaboration has a tremendous wealth of incoming and recently obtained Hubble and JWST imaging for 74 nearby galaxies in over a dozen filters spanning from the near-UV to 21 microns, including narrowband H-alpha and Pa-alpha imaging.  The postdoc will become a member of the international PHANGS collaboration, which is using the combination of Hubble, JWST, ALMA and MUSE observations to study the star formation cycle at the molecular cloud and cluster scale, and its dependence on galactic environment.  The PHANGS research group in Baltimore is interested in studying massive star formation, star cluster formation and evolution, HII regions, star formation and gas clearing timescales, and exploring innovative methods of analysis with the PHANGS HST & JWST catalogs of ~100,000 star clusters and associations to gain new insight into the physics of star, cluster, and galaxy formation and evolution.

Our new postdocs will fully participate in data processing and will lead high-impact science investigations for the collaboration.  Dr. Janice Lee is a member of the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Science, Technology, Architecture Review Team (START) and there may also be opportunities for our new postdocs to become involved in the advancement of the HWO concept.

The nominal start date will be in Summer/Fall 2024, but we also are interested in candidates who are able to start as soon as possible.  These positions will be appointed for renewable one-year terms for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance and continued availability of funding.

We welcome inquiries about our postdoctoral positions at jlee@stsci.edu and dthilker@jhu.edu.

Applicants shall hold a Ph.D. degree in Astronomy, Physics, or related fields by the start of the position. Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable: (a) data reduction (b) SED modeling (c) analysis of resolved star and star cluster population photometry. More important is the willingness to take on new projects, learn new skills, and work independently to bring these projects to fruition.

The combination of the Space Telescope Science Institute and the Johns Hopkins Department of Physics and Astronomy make Baltimore one of the top centers for astronomy research in the world.  Successful applicants will benefit from a stimulating scientific environment rich in colloquia, journal clubs.  They will also have broad access to learning opportunities related to the missions supported by STScI (Hubble, JWST, and Roman).

Applications must be submitted through this linkhttps://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/76692

Applicants are requested to complete an on-line application through Slideroom.  The following materials will be requested in PDF format: a brief cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a concise (1-3 page) statement of research interests, accomplishments, and relevant technical experience.  Complete applications received by January 31, 2024, will receive full consideration. In the application, please provide the names and email addresses of three people who can provide letters of reference. Reference letters will be requested after the first round of review.

Questions regarding the application process can be sent directly to careers@stsci.edu.

STScI and our research groups embrace the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in creating a first-rate community. We reflect this deep dedication in strongly encouraging women, ethnic minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities. Learn more about how we foster Diversity

Inclusion- https://www.stsci.edu/opportunities/our-work/our-culture.

As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, STScI does not discriminate because of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, or mental or physical handicap. Veterans, disabled or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu.


Postdoctoral Position in Exoplanets and/or Substellar Objects

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellow position at the Center for Astrophysical Sciences of Johns Hopkins University. The successful candidate will work with Professor Ray Jayawardhana and his collaborators on observational studies of extra-solar planets and/or sub-stellar objects. Candidates with expertise and interests in ground-based high-resolution exoplanet spectroscopy and/or low-resolution spectroscopy of exoplanets and planetary-mass brown dwarfs with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) are particularly encouraged to apply.

Group members lead the on-going ExoGemS Large Program at the Gemini Observatory targeting 30+ planets that span a wide range of properties. Prof. Jayawardhana is also a member of the JWST/NIRISS science team, with ~200 hours of GTO dedicated to exoplanet characterization. In addition, with Drs. Aleks Scholz and Koraljka Muzic, he co-leads a ~20-hour JWST/NIRISS GTO program focused on the lowest-mass free-floating sub-stellar objects. Group members also use data from TESS, Kepler, CHEOPS, Subaru, Keck, VLT, CFHT, and other major observatories.

The position is for two years, with extension to a third year possible, and comes with a competitive salary and funds for research expenses. Start date is flexible, ideally between July-December 2024. The JHU Center for Astrophysical Sciences and the adjacent Space Telescope Science Institute form a large and lively astrophysical community.

Applicants should send their curriculum vitae, a description of research interests and plans and a list of publications, and should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent electronically to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27145. Applications are accepted until the position is filled, and those received before March 1, 2024 will receive full consideration. Early expressions of interest and inquiries are encouraged, and should be made to rayjay@jhu.edu

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

Related URLs: 

JHU Dept of Physics and Astronomy https://physics-astronomy.jhu.edu/

Postdoc Benefits https://provost.jhu.edu/education/postdoctoral-affairs/postdoc-wellness-benefits-and-policies/

Application Deadline: Monday April 1, 2024 

Selection Deadline: Monday April 15, 2024


Associate Research Scientist for X-ray Laboratory Astrophysics

The Johns Hopkins University seeks an Associate Research Scientist for x-ray laboratory astrophysics research.  The qualified candidate is expected to have experience in experiment, data analysis, and theoretical calculations, as well as a solid publication record.

The successful candidate will be co-located with and work as part of the X-ray Astrophysics Lab at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. The candidate will contribute to construction, commissioning, and operation of a portable, miniature, permanent-magnet electron beam ion trap (EBIT), as well as deployment of the EBIT to field campaigns at synchrotron light sources. The candidate will also take part in field campaigns at several collaborating institutions worldwide, many of which involve the deployment of NASA/GSFC x-ray calorimeter spectrometer instruments optimized for high-resolution, broadband x-ray spectroscopy. The candidate should be familiar with theoretical techniques used in x-ray laboratory astrophysics, and should have experience with the Flexible Atomic Code (FAC) or equivalent.

Candidates should possess a PhD degree in a relevant field by date of appointment. The salary offered will be competitive and commensurate with experience. For information on benefits please follow this link:

https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/. The appointment is expected to begin approximately early 2024.

Candidates must provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae including a complete publications list. Questions regarding the position should be addressed to Joe Zolenas (jzolena2@jhu.edu). The Johns Hopkins University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.


Assistant Research Scientist for Far-IR and Sub-Millimeter Astrophysics

The Johns Hopkins University seeks an Assistant Research Scientist for far-infrared and submillimeter-wave astrophysical research.  The qualified candidate is expected to have cosmology, hardware, and data analysis experience and a solid publication record.

The successful candidate will be co-located with and work as part of the Observational Cosmology Lab at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. One relevant activity is the Experiment for Cryogenic Large-aperture Intensity Mapping (EXCLAIM). This is a Goddard-led balloon mission which will make 3-D maps of the universe and reveal how stars form and how galaxies evolve across cosmic time. The candidate will also contribute to the development of the PRobe far-Infared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA), a proposed NASA satellite mission to understand the growth of stars and black holes over cosmic time, star and planet formation, and the rise of metals in the universe.

Candidates should possess a PhD degree in a relevant field by date of appointment. The salary offered will be competitive and commensurate with experience. For information on benefits please follow this link:

https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/. The appointment is expected to begin approximately January 1, 2024.

Candidates must provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae including a complete publications list. Questions regarding the position should be addressed to Joe Zolenas (jzolena2@jhu.edu). The Johns Hopkins University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.