Assistant/Associate Research Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics
About The Position
The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State invites applications for a full-time Assistant or Associate Research Professor position (non-tenure track) to begin immediately. Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will be responsible for undertaking research involving nanofabrication of diffraction gratings and application to future missions. The research involves creating reflection gratings for UV and X-ray applications on a variety of substrates with a variety of groove directions and shapes. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing the various nanofabrication techniques required to fabricate such gratings including, but not limited to, electron-beam lithography, grayscale lithography, ion etching, wet chemistry, deposition, and surface metrology such as ellipsometry, electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. It is expected that the candidate will disseminate their research through refereed publications and conference talks. It is also expected that the candidate will contribute to studies specific to future missions such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory and help write proposals for related funding support.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics preferred, or a Ph.D. in a related field with strong research experience in astronomical instrumentation or nanofabrication.
- Demonstrated ability as a researcher.
- Record of successful grant funding.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with nanofabrication.
Responsibilities
- Undertake research involving nanofabrication of diffraction gratings and application to future missions.
- Create reflection gratings for UV and X-ray applications on a variety of substrates with a variety of groove directions and shapes.
- Perform nanofabrication techniques including electron-beam lithography, grayscale lithography, ion etching, wet chemistry, and deposition.
- Conduct surface metrology using techniques such as ellipsometry, electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy.
- Disseminate research through refereed publications and conference talks.
- Contribute to studies specific to future missions such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory.
- Help write proposals for related funding support.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Robust retirement plans.
- 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
