APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/EfiwgKReZ4VAjprFZPKWUm0Bq_sU3KzTmERfpryq0esPKQ) . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/Eeys15Xva4hFokHVtbP1eGIB5i1WFLc-J3k9KHgrFYZ7mg) Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants (https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/Application_Process_for_External_Applications_Non-Penn_State_Employees_.pdf) .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics (http://science.psu.edu/astro) of Penn State (http://psu.edu/) has an opening for an Assistant Research Professor to work with Dr. Joel Leja on various projects related to galaxy evolution and formation at z > 1. The candidate will perform their own independent research in addition to working on a wide range of research topics within the group, such as:

• building and executing analysis of galaxy photometry and spectra with ML-powered analysis, both spatially resolved and unresolved.

• population-level studies of early galaxies in the JWST deep fields.

• novel analysis of chemical and star formation history properties of z2 galaxies within the large-scale PFS spectroscopic survey, first light 2025.

In addition to research, the candidate will take a close hand in advising undergraduate and Ph.D. students within the group, applying for external observing proposals and grants, and disseminating research results through professional conferences and public outreach. Previous experience with spectral fitting, population studies, machine learning, Bayesian statistics, and high-dimensional sampling is desirable but not required.

The successful candidate will join the vibrant and large research community at Penn State, including over 60 faculty and faculty affiliates and nearly 50 graduate students. They will benefit from interactions with the Center for Astrostatistics (http://sites.psu.edu/astrostatistics/) , the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (http://www.icds.psu.edu/) , and the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos (http://igc.psu.edu/) , and will have access to the Roar supercomputing facility.

Education and Experience

A PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field is required.

Additional Information

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a single PDF file containing a CV, cover letter, and statement of research interests. After review, candidates may be contacted for three professional reference letters. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. This is a term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with possibility of renewal for up to three years. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Information regarding benefits may be found at https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/benefits

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here (https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports) .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster (https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/files/2022/01/Federal-Contractors-Labor-Law-Poster.pdf)

PA State Labor Law Poster

Affirmative Action (https://policy.psu.edu/policies/hr11)

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information (https://www.psu.edu/copyright-information)

Hotlines

University Park, PA