Postdoctoral Researcher - Protoplanetary Disks and Planet Formation
 The Pennsylvania State University | |
remote work
| |
 United States, Pennsylvania, University Park | |
| 201 Old Main (Show on map) | |
 Nov 04, 2025 | |
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.POSITION SPECIFICS Position Specifics The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to work with Professor J. J. Zanazzi and collaborators. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to study planet formation during the protoplanetary disk phase. These investigations will entail hydrodynamic simulations and first-principles calculations of how embedded planets, binary companions, and/or streamers affect protoplanetary disks, to make theoretical predictions that can be tested by observations. In addition, the postdoc will be encouraged to develop their own research program in collaboration with, and in parallel to, Prof. Zanazzi. Penn State hosts a vibrant community of scientists working on many aspects of exoplanetary astrophysics, including the Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds, the Consortium for Planetary and Exoplanetary Science and Technology, the Astrobiology Research Center, the Extraterrestrial Intelligence Center, and the Planetary Science Center. Penn State is heavily involved with the development and implementation of the Habitable Zone Planet Finder and the NEID Spectrograph, with institutional access to the Hobby Eberly Telescope and WIYN telescope. Computing access is supplied by the Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences. Education and Experience A PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field is required. Experience with hydrodynamical simulations of protoplanetary disks, and/or post-processing to generate mock observations from continuum, line, and/or scattered light emission, would be a plus. Additional Information Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter, statement of research interests, a CV, and a list of publications. In addition, please arrange for three professional reference letters to be sent to jxz224@psu.edu. Applications received by January 15, 2026, will receive full consideration, but will be accepted until the position is filled. The search is expected to end by March 15, 2026. The expected start date is August 15, 2026, but is negotiable. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to J. J. Zanazzi at jxz224@psu.edu. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. 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. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity 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 PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines | |