The Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics of The Pennsylvania State University has an immediate opening to lead our Automation Initiative on the Swift Gamma-Ray Burst program. Swift ( http://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov) is a NASA MIDEX-class Explorer mission operating since November, 2004. We are seeking to develop improved automation for our mission planning software. The position will have the rank of Research Associate (equivalent to Assistant Professor), and requires a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field. Suitable candidates holding an MS, and experience in software and algorithm development will also be considered. Previous experience with space instrumentation, satellite operations, or astronomy data analysis is desirable. Due to US law, the successful applicant must provide proof of eligibility of employment under US ITAR regulations. (More information about ITAR qualification is available on request.) Initial appointment is for one year with renewal subject to continued funding by NASA. Applicants should submit a resume and list of three references to Dr. John Nousek, 2582 Gateway Drive, State College, PA 16801. (email: smerekar@astro.psu.edu) Applications must be received by January 15, 2009, to receive full consideration. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a fixed term instructional faculty position beginning in January 2009 and extending at least through June 2010. Duties will include responsibility for sections of introductory general education courses delivered in both traditional lecture and on-line formats. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics. Some experience in teaching introductory level courses is highly desirable. We expect the appointment will be made at the Lecturer level. The selected candidate will be encouraged to participate in the vibrant research atmosphere in the department.

The Department currently has 16 tenure track faculty and over 20 postdoctoral associates and research faculty. The Department is consistently ranked among the top in the country in introductory student enrollments by the AIP. The Department is the main University partner in the multi-wavelength SWIFT gamma-ray burst afterglow satellite, whose Mission Operations Center is at Penn State. It is also the PI institution for the ACIS X-ray CCD camera on Chandra, and is a major partner (25% of the observing time) in the Hobby-Eberly Telescope at the McDonald Observatory. Current information teaching, research and other activities can be found at http://www.astro.psu.edu.

Applications should include a CV, statement of teaching experience and interest as well as research interests, list of publications, and names of three professional references, mailed to:
Ms. Erin Eckley, (eckley@astro.psu.edu )
525 Davey Lab, Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16803
Fax: 814-863-2842
phone: 814-865-0418

Review of applications will begin in October, and the search will continue until the position is filled. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for three tenure-track faculty positions. We will focus our search on faculty with expertise in the following areas: 1) Extrasolar planets (theory or observation), 2) cosmology (theory or observation) and 3) Space and/or ground based instrumentation. The main criterion is the prospect of establishing a research program of the highest quality, either in observation, theory or instrumentation. We anticipate making Assistant Professor appointments in the above stated areas, but we are open to exceptional opportunities at more senior levels. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics, an outstanding research record, the ability to lead and support a research program involving students and postdocs, and an ability to teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels,

The Department currently has 16 tenure track faculty, four joint appointments with Physics, several adjunct appointments. The Department is the main University partner in the multi-wavelength SWIFT gamma-ray burst afterglow satellite, whose Mission Operations Center is at Penn State. It is also the PI institution for the ACIS X-ray CCD camera on Chandra, is a major partner (25% of the observing time) in the Hobby-Eberly Telescope at the McDonald Observatory, and is a participant in the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope. Current information on research and other activities can be found at
http://www.astro.psu.edu.

Applications should include a cover letter stating which of the above three areas their application is for, a CV, statement of planned research, list of publications, and (for junior level) three reference letters, or for senior applications, the names of three references, mailed to:
Ms. Erin Eckley, (eckley@astro.psu.edu )
525 Davey Lab, Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16803
Fax: 814-863-2842
phone: 814-865-0418

Review of applications will begin in October, and the search will continue until 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.

One postdoctoral research position in star and planet formation is available in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Pennsylvania State University. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Kevin Luhman on the analysis and interpretation of optical and infrared data from the Spitzer Space Telescope, Hubble Space Telescope, and large ground-based telescopes in studying the formation of stars, brown dwarfs, and planets. A PhD is required. The initial appointment will be for one year, renewable to a total of three years upon satisfactory performance, and can begin as early as August 1, 2009. Applicants should submit electronic applications (pdf, postscript, or text) containing a curriculum vitae, list of publications, brief statement of research interests and experience, and contact information for three references to kluhman@astro.psu.edu. Review of the applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

A postdoctoral research position in gamma-ray burst and transient astronomy is available in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Pennsylvania State University. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Derek Fox on gamma-ray burst and afterglow observations using satellite observatories and ground-based telescopes, and pursue optical transient survey and follow-up work in collaboration with the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF) team. A PhD by start of the appointment is required; experience with automated systems and control software is preferred. The initial appointment will be for two years, renewable to a total of three years, and beginning as early as May 1, 2009. Applicants should submit electronic applications (PDF, Postscript, or text) including a curriculum vitae, list of publications, a brief statement of research interests and experience, and contact information for three references to dfox@astro.psu.edu. Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2008, and continue until the position is filled.

We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Swift Operations Scientist
Penn State University

The Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics of the Pennsylvania State University has an immediate opening on the Science Operations Team for the Swift Gamma-Ray Burst program. Swift (http://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov) is a NASA MIDEX-class Explorer mission operating since November, 2004. The successful candidate will serve as a science planner (responsible for daily observing plans), and an Observatory Duty Scientist (responsible for the observatory during scheduled shifts.) The applicant will have 50% of their time available to pursue scientific interests including collaborations with the rest of the Swift team. The position will have the rank of Research Associate (equivalent to Assistant Professor), and requires a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field. Suitable candidates holding an MS, and experience in astronomical space missions will also be considered. Previous experience with space instrumentation, satellite operations, or astronomy data analysis is desirable. Due to US law, the successful applicant must provide proof of eligibility of employment under US export regulations. (More information about export qualification is available on request.) Initial appointment is for one year with renewal subject to continued funding by NASA. Applicants should submit a resume and list of three references to Dr. John Nousek, 2582 Gateway Drive, State College, PA 16801. (email: smerekar@astro.psu.edu) Applications must be received by February 1 to receive full consideration. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

Postdoctoral Researcher in X-ray Astronomy
Penn State University
Astronomy & Astrophysics Department
525 Davey Lab
University Park, PA 16802 USA
(814) 865-3509
Attention: W.N. Brandt

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION, X-RAY ASTRONOMY, PENN STATE: Applications are
invited for a position which could begin as early as April 2009 (the
starting date has some flexibility). The successful applicant will
work with Prof. W.N. Brandt and collaborators on Chandra, XMM-Newton,
and Spitzer studies of active galaxies and X-ray/infrared surveys.
Research work will involve the planning and implementation of
observing programs, the analysis of X-ray and related data, and the
publication of significant scientific results. A PhD is required,
and experience working with X-ray data and/or active galaxies would
be a significant advantage. The position is for one year initially
with the possible extension of up to two more years.

Information about the Department can be found at http://www.astro.psu.edu.
Penn State has a significant community of active-galaxy researchers and
is the PI institution for the ACIS CCD camera on Chandra. Applications
including CV, publications list, one-page statement of research
interests, and two professional reference letters should be sent to
W.N. Brandt at the above address by Nov 20, 2008. Questions should be
directed to W.N. Brandt at 814-865-3509 or niel@astro.psu.edu.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in
extragalactic astronomy, with a focus on observational studies of Hickson compact groups and interacting galaxy pairs. The position is initially for one year, renewable for a second year.

The successful candidate would work with Professor Jane Charlton, and
an international team of collaborators, on a study of star and star
cluster formation in interacting galaxies, both isolated pairs and Hickson
compact groups. The team has assembled a multi-wavelength dataset in
order to understand the modes of star formation in this environment,
which provides insights into processes of morphological tranformation
at intermediate redshifts. The emphasis of this position is analysis
of Hubble Space Telescope data, from the Wide Field Planetary Camera
(WFPC2) and from the Advanced Camera from Surveys (ACS). However,
the successful candidate will also be working with our team to
understand 21-cm, Spitzer, Swift/UVOT, and Chandra data, as well
as ground-based spectroscopy of dwarf galaxy candidates.

The ideal candidate should have experience with HST photometry
(WFPC2 and/or ACS) and interest in star formation, star clusters,
interacting galaxies, and galaxy groups. Candidates with
experience in related areas and techniques will also be
considered. A Ph.D. is required.

Please send a curriculum vitae with publication list, a statement of
research interests, and three letters of recommendation to Jane
Charlton, Penn State University, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, 525 Davey Lab., University Park, PA 16802. Complete applications received before 1 November 2008 will receive full consideration. The position can begin anytime from December 2008 until September 2009, with preference to candidates available sooner.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and
the diversity of its workforce

Postdoctoral Research Position in Extragalactic Astronomy and Observational Cosmology
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
525 Davey Laboratory
University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
Tel: 814-865-2918
FAX: 814-863-2842
Email Submission Address: caryl@astro.psu.edu
Email Inquiries: caryl@astro.psu.edu
URL: http://www.astro.psu.edu

Closing Date: December 15, 2008

Attention: Dr. Caryl Gronwall

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at Penn State University to work with Dr. Caryl Gronwall and Dr. Robin Ciardullo on an on-going survey for high-redshift galaxies.

The successful candidate will participate in a collaborative research project aimed at improving our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution. The work will focus on the study of high-redshift Lyman-alpha emitter galaxies, and will involve the analysis and interpretation of both imaging and spectroscopic data, from the ground and from space. In addition, the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to participate in the HET Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX), which seeks to use Lyman-alpha emitters as a tracer of large scale structure. We are especially interested in applicants with some experience in photometry and/or spectroscopy of faint sources, or the modeling of high-redshift galaxies.

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. The start date can be anytime between March and September 2009. Applicants should specify their preferred start date.

To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, and have three reference letters sent via e-mail to C. Gronwall at caryl@astro.psu.edu . For full consideration, complete applications should be received by December 15. Please contact C. Gronwall with any questions about the position.

Penn State has a 25% 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 work force.