POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN OPTICAL/UV INSTRUMENTATION

Department of Physics

Area of Specialization: Optical/UV Instrumentation

Deadline for application: The position is open until filled; but materials should arrive by November 28, 2008, to ensure full consideration.

Applications are invited for one or two postdoctoral positions, working on a superconducting imaging spectrophotometer for optical/UV observations of compact objects with the Palomar and Keck Telescopes, at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

The successful applicants will work with Professor Ben Mazin on developing a camera for the Palomar and Keck Telescopes based on Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs). Candidates should have a PhD in experimental astrophysics or experimental low temperature condensed matter physics. Projects will involve finishing building an instrument and readout around an existing MKID array, building a real time data processing pipeline, taking observations of compact objects, and analyzing and publishing the results. Expertise in superconducting detectors, cryogenics, microwave engineering, and optical instrumentation is helpful but not required.

The successful candidate will participate in the research activities of the group, including opportunities to write proposals and mentor research students. UCSB provides a stimulating research environment. In addition to the physics department’s association with Keck Observatory, Lick Observatory, the UC Center for Adaptive Optics, and the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope, the adjacent Kavli Center for Theoretical Physics hosts several astrophysics workshops yearly.

The appointment is funded for two years, contingent on performance. Additional years are possible. The starting date is negotiable, with positions available immediately. Applicants should send their vitae, bibliography, a 1 page summary of previous research highlights, and a statement of current research interests; they should arrange for two or more letters of recommendation to arrive by the November 28 deadline. Materials should be sent as a pdf by email to bmazin@physics.ucsb.edu with Astrophysics Postdoc in the subject line.

The position is open until filled; but materials should arrive by the deadline to ensure full consideration. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to excellence through diversity.

Posted: October 23, 2008