Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium (Chicago, IL) has an opportunity available in the Astronomy department for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. This position will conduct follow-up observations and physical characterization of near-Earth objects in a major new effort using the ARC 3.5-meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory. The initial term of employment will be for two years and is funded through a grant from NASA Near-Earth Object Observations. A potential extension for a third year is dependent on the acquisition of external funding.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry out observations, analysis, and related research activities as part of the Adler Asteroid Research Team.
• Explore innovative research topics in collaboration with other members of the Adler astrophysics research staff, aligned with goals of the near-Earth object observation
• Perform education and outreach activities related to their research work.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Astronomy or a related field such as physics, planetary science, etc.
• Experience in asteroid related research, experience with observing and analysis of imaging and spectroscopy, familiarity with current asteroid research
• Strong research skills, ability to communicate effectively and to carry projects through to completion
• Ability to work independently on multiple simultaneous projects
• Experience working with standard office and research tools (Office Suite, UNIX, IRAF, etc.) Programming ability (C, IDL, Python, or equivalent).
• Must be able to tolerate altitudes of around 9,000 feet for several days.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
REQ: AST140

July 2, 2014