University of Notre Dame, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Position ID:
NotreDame-PhysicsandAstronomy-WEISSPD [#30474]
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Astrophysics
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States of America
Subject Area:
Appl Deadline:
(posted 2025/09/02, listed until 2026/03/02)
Position Description:
Position Description
The University of Notre Dame Department of Physics & Astronomy Astrophysics Research Group has an opening for a postdoctoral research scholar to work with Prof. Lauren Weiss on the discovery and characterization of extrasolar planets. The postdoctoral scholar will conduct original research that strengthens and augments the portfolio of the astroweiss group. The group has institutional access, augmented with external proposals, to the W. M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea, HI, including the Keck Planet Finder and HIRES spectrographs; and the Large Binocular Telescope on Mt. Graham, AZ, including the PEPSI and iLocater spectrographs. The group is leading a multi-semester Keck program in preparation for HWO and participates in the California Planet Search, the TESS Follow-Up Program, and Roman Science Collaboration. The group also has access to institutional high performance computing and public data products, including those from the NASA Kepler, NASA TESS, ESA Gaia, and ESA PLATO space missions, and the NSF/DOE-supported Rubin Observatory.Depending upon the applicant’s research interests and qualifications, research topics may include, but are not limited to: (1) the maturation of long baseline, extreme precision RVs on KPF and/or iLocator, (2) the orbital dynamics, architectures, stability, and formation of planetary systems, including multi-planet systems and binary star systems, (3) the elemental compositions of planets, including super-Earth sized planets, and (4) observations with high-dispersion spectroscopy, including studies of planetary orbits and atmospheres.
Qualifications include a PhD in astronomy, physics, or a related field. Applicants demonstrating strong writing skills, analytical skills, research creativity, a history of successful project completion, and serious interest — demonstrated via concurrent application to the Notre Dame College of Science Postdoctoral Fellowship — will be viewed favorably. Applicants with a background in observational or theoretical studies of exoplanets are particularly encouraged to apply. People of all backgrounds, including those that have been underrepresented in modern science, are encouraged to apply.
The appointment is for up to three years, contingent on annual performance review and available funding. Base salary will be commensurate with experience. The start date is fall 2026 or earlier.
The University of Notre Dame is located in South Bend, Indiana and provides a family friendly environment and affordable cost of living. The successful applicant will receive health care and other benefits. More information about being a postdoctoral scholar at Notre Dame can be found at this website.
Candidates should provide a cover letter, a CV (including a full publication list), a statement of research activities and future plans (including figures and references; 5 pages maximum), and arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted. Applications received by December 16th, 2025 will receive full consideration.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site
)
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info: