CAMERON MITCHELL MCDONALD OBSERVATORY POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN INSTRUMENTATION

The University of Texas at Austin’s McDonald Observatory announces competition for the Cameron Mitchell McDonald Observatory Postdoctoral Fellowship in Instrumentation. This Fellowship is open to anyone with a Ph.D. in Astronomy or a closely allied field. Candidates are expected to have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. upon arrival, to reside in Austin, and to primarily work on-site. The successful applicant will join the McDonald Observatory instrumentation group and play an important, career-enhancing role in a current instrument project for the McDonald 2.7m telescope or the 10-m Hobby-Eberly Telescope. Candidates are encouraged to contact instrument team leads to discuss specific opportunities. The instrumentation group consists of astronomers and engineers and has a track record of delivering significant instruments and training the next generation of instrumentalists.

In addition to the instrumentation project, the successful candidate is encouraged to undertake research of their choosing in any area of astronomy and astrophysics, including their own instrument development. The fellowship includes funding for research expenses, including travel. Additional funds are available for relocation expenses. The initial appointment will be for one year, beginning September 2024, with the expectation of renewal for a second and third year following satisfactory research performance. An earlier start date may be considered, depending on individual circumstances.

For information on employee benefits, please see the HRS-Benefits home page at http://www.utexas.edu/hr/current/insurance. 

Application Instructions:

    1. Applicants should complete the application form at:  https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_50xYH7zeVUGTIea .

    2. After submitting the form, you will see a confirmation message in your browser with instructions to watch your Inbox for an email containing further instructions.

    3. The emailed instructions will include details for submitting your application materials and instructions for your letter writers so that they may submit their letters. Please carefully follow the instructions in this email.

The submission deadline for all application materials and letters of recommendation is December 31, 2023 at 11:59 pm Central Time.

Inquiries only may be sent to: astro_mcdobs_postdoc@utlists.utexas.edu .