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Postdoctoral Researcher - Exoplanet Observations

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Aug 23, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

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

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work with Professor Renyu Hu and collaborators. The successful applicant will work on science analysis of the JWST observations of transiting exoplanets. Research duties will involve building data reduction pipelines, reduction of large quantities of data, statistical analysis of the data products and planetary spectra, development of relevant exoplanetary models, and publication of scientific results.

Penn State is home to the Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds (CEHW) and has a significant community of researchers who study exoplanets in the broader context of astrophysics, geosciences, and astrobiology. Penn State astronomers have access to the 10-m-class Hobby-Eberly Telescope and work at the forefront of the search and characterization of extrasolar worlds.

Education and Experience

A PhD in Physics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, or a closely related field is required. Experience with JWST transiting exoplanet observations would be an advantage.

Additional Information

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter, a CV, a list of publications, and names of at least three professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The expected start date is in Spring 2026 but is negotiable. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Professor Renyu Hu at rqh5611@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.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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