About the Job
Research Statement:
The successful candidate will join the group of Prof. Charles Law, who study the physical and chemical structure of protoplanetary disks and how that structure shapes the planets that form in them. The group uses multi-wavelength observations with facilities such as ALMA, JWST, VLA, and LBT. Current interests include disk chemistry and astrochemistry, disk winds and evolution, the inner disk as seen with JWST, disk-planet interactions, and the link between disk properties and exoplanet populations.
Candidates who bring modeling or simulation expertise are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop independent research directions within this broader scientific program and to contribute to major collaborative efforts. They will also have opportunities to supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
The University of Minnesota is a partner in the LBT, and Minnesota researchers can propose for observing time. Post-Doctoral Associates also have access to the computing resources of the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI), including high-performance computing, large-scale storage, and user support. The Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics has an active research community in star and planet formation, exoplanets, galaxies, cosmology, and computational astrophysics.
Job duties or responsibilities of this position:
- 60%: Research on protoplanetary disks.
- 15%: Supervision and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students participating in this research.
- 10%: Maintain familiarity with the latest results and methods in the field, reading relevant papers, participating in group meetings, seminars, and conferences.
- 15%: Communicating research to the group and broader astronomical community by writing papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, giving presentations, and presenting results at domestic and international conferences. Other duties of a similar scope as assigned.
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
Post-Doctoral Associate positions require a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a related field by the beginning date of appointment.
Preferred qualifications:
Research experience in protoplanetary disks, planet formation, or a closely related area. Expertise in one or more of the following: chemical modeling of protoplanetary disks, radiative transfer modeling, and hydrodynamic simulations of disk and/or planet-disk interactions. Experience analyzing data from observational facilities, such as ALMA, JWST, VLA, or LBT. Experience using high-performance computing resources.
About the Department
About the Department:
School of Physics and Astronomy: https://cse.umn.edu/physics
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $62,232 - $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
- Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. Please include the following in your application;
- Curriculum vitae,
- Brief description of research interests (One to two pages),
- Reference list with contact information
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
