Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Columbia University invites applications for a position as Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Time Domain Astrophysics in the Columbia Astrophysics Laboratory (CAL), where the successful candidate will join the research group of Professor of Astronomy, Dr. Kishalay De.

The selected candidate will be expected to be involved in a broad research program on time domain astrophysics spanning supernovae, nuclear transients, stellar eruptions in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies and Galactic variable stars, and will have the opportunity to work on survey programs with ongoing time domain experiments including the Near Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE), the Prime-focus Infrared Microlensing Experiment (PRIME), Wide-field Infrared Transient Explorer (WINTER), Palomar Gattini-IR (PGIR), Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) as well as early experiments for the upcoming Rubin observatory (Columbia University is a member of the LSST Discovery Alliance) and the Roman Space Telescope. The selected candidate will have access to telescopes at the MDM observatory, and will be encouraged to lead a multi-wavelength follow-up program from X-ray to radio bands, interacting extensively with the Theoretical High Energy Astrophysics (THEA) group at Columbia University and the transients group at the Center for Computational Astrophysics. They will be expected to be able to work well independently and cooperatively with a team and to communicate the results of their research.

The appointment will be initially for one year with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years, contingent upon the availability of funds and mutual satisfaction. Questions regarding this position can be addressed to Dr. Kishalay De at kd3038@columbia.edu with the subject line Postdoctoral Position.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Astronomy, Physics, or a related discipline. Applicants with prior experience in time domain analysis, observational data reduction techniques as well as data-driven modeling of transients and variable stars are highly desirable and are encouraged to apply.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications will be considered only after all of the material has been received. Applications received by January 03, 2025 will receive full consideration.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran Employer. CAL values a diverse workforce and culture of inclusion, which are keys to attracting and engaging the brightest minds to further our record of scientific excellence and groundbreaking innovations.