Welcome to Astronomy & Astrophysics at Penn State

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Pennsylvania State University invites applications for the endowed Eberly Chair. This unique position is the highest level of appointment in the department, and provides ongoing ancillary research funds. Candidates with an exceptional record of achievement and research leadership in any area of astronomy and astrophysics may be considered. There is some preference for individuals with a strong potential for interaction with optical and X-ray extragalactic astronomy and cosmology programs whithin the department. Several junior positions are being concurrently advertised, some of which may be filled in conjunction with an Eberly appointment.

The Department is a major partner in the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, an 8-meter-class facility for spectroscopic studies in the optical and near-infrared, on which we have approximately 30% guaranteed observing time. The Department is also the PI institution for the ACIS prime focus x-ray CCD camera on Chandra, one of the two prime instruments on this NASA cornerstone mission, with guaranteed access time and data rights. There are also active groups in theoretical astrophysics, gravitational physics, pulsar observations and radio instrumentation, and the application of advanced statistical techniques to astronomical data. Further information about the department can be found at http://www.astro.psu.edu. Telephone inquires regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Larry Ramsey at 814-865-0418. Consideration of applications will continue until the position is filled. Penn State is committed to diversity of its workforce. AAE/EOE.

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and three reference letters addressed to:

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for several tenure-track faculty positions. The main criterion is the prospect of establishing or furthering a research program of the highest quality, irrespective of area, either in observation, theory or instrumentation. Multiple appointments can be made at the junior or senior level. Other factors being equal, there is an added interest in: 1) cosmology (theory, observation), 2) GRB (observation), 3) planets (theory, observation), 4) O/IR/mm (instrumentation), 5) IR/sub-mm (star formation, interstellar matter, extragalactic observation, theory). Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics, an outstanding research record and the ability to lead and support a research program involving students and postdocs, as well as to teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Department is undergoing a significant expansion, with currently 18 tenure track faculty, another three joint appointments with Physics and several adjunct appointments. We are a major partner (30% of the observing time) in the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, an 8-meter-class facility for spectroscopic studies in the O/IR, currently fully operational. The Department is also the PI institution for the ACIS x-ray CCD camera on Chandra, and we are the main University partner in the multi-wavelength gamma-ray burst afterglow satellite Swift, scheduled for launch in October 2004, with the Mission Operations Center at Penn State. The Department possesses active groups in observational cosmology, theoretical astrophysics, searches for extrasolar planets, gamma ray bursts, optical and near/IR instrumentation, X-ray instrumentation and data analysis, observations of AGNs, application of advanced statistical techniques to astronomical data, stellar evolution, gravitational physics, pulsar astronomy, radio instrumentation, and computational astrophysics. We are involved in the Institute for Gravitational Physics and the NSF Physics Frontier Center for Gravitational Wave Physics, as well as in the Auger ultra-high energy cosmic ray array and the AMANDA/ICECUBE ultra-high energy neutrino experiments at Penn State. More information at http://www.astro.psu.edu.

Applications should include a CV, statement of planned research, list of publications, and (for junior level) three reference letters, or (for associate or full level) the names of three references, mailed to Prof. Peter Meszaros, c/o Ms. Cathy Lutz, (lutz@astro.psu.edu ), address: 525 Davey Lab., Box OL, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16803 - fax 814-863-2842, phone 814-865-0418.

Candidate screening will begin in late October, and the search will continue until all positions are filled. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at Penn State to work with Profs. Robin Ciardullo and Steinn Sigurdsson on the measurement and analysis of intracluster stars. The project involves ground and space-based observations of intracluster stars, and the modeling and interpretation of the results. We are especially interested in applicants with some experience in CCD photometry of faint sources to work with deep HST images of Virgo. The appointment is initially for 2 years, and funding for additional years is possible. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. upon arrival and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. To apply, please submit a curriculum vita, a statement of research interests, and have three letters of references sent to R. Ciardullo at the address above. For full consideration, complete applications should be received by December 1. Penn State has a 30% share of the Hobby-Eberly 8-m telescope and postdocs have the opportunity to apply for this time. Further information about the department can be found at http://www.astro.psu.edu. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.