Assistant/Associate Research Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Penn State University • Ferguson Township, PA

100d

About The Position

The McEntaffer Research Group in 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.
• Ph.D. in a related field with strong research experience in astronomical instrumentation or nanofabrication will be considered.
• Experience with nanofabrication is desired.
• Success or experience with proposing to NASA solicitations is desired.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research involving nanofabrication of diffraction gratings.
• Create reflection gratings for UV and X-ray applications.
• Perform various nanofabrication techniques including electron-beam lithography, grayscale lithography, ion etching, wet chemistry, deposition, and surface metrology.
• 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

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree