Introduction:
Applicants are invited to apply for a postdoctoral associate position in the Department of Astronomy at Yale University, to work with Professor Charles Bailyn.

Introduction of the School/Department:
The Yale Astronomy Department is a vibrant scientific community with many opportunities for scientific interaction within and across groups and subdisciplines. As members of the Yale Astronomy Department community, we will treat each other with respect, dignity, and professionalism, such that our day-to-day work is both productive and enjoyable. We embrace open communication and constructive discourse to cultivate a welcoming and collaborative community in which all voices are heard and respected. We believe this will lead to a supportive and respectful environment for everyone.

Description:
The position is initially for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second year, contingent on performance. Half of the successful applicant’s time will be spent in collaboration with the PI in reducing, analyzing, and modelling optical data of accreting black holes obtained with the SMARTS telescopes from 2003-2019. The other half will be available for independent research. Some time may be available for non-research work associated with astronomy, for example teaching or public outreach, by arrangement with the PI. Conveniently located between New York City and Boston, Yale offers a lively intellectual environment and access to world-class astronomical facilities, including the Keck and Palomar telescopes. Yale is an institutional member of the SDSS-IV and SDSS-V collaborations, and the postdoc may develop projects with their data. The postdoc will also have access to High-Performance Computing facilities at Yale. The position will involve travel to relevant workshops and conferences. The anticipated start date would be between July 1 and Sept 30 2025, by mutual arrangement. Questions should be directed to charles.bailyn@yale.edu.

Qualifications:
Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent degree in astrophysics or a related field by the start date. Experience with data analysis scripts and astronomical modelling, and interest in accreting black holes is desirable.

Application Instructions:
Applicants should email a cover letter, curriculum vitae including publication list, and a brief (no more than 3 pages) description of past and current research and future research goals in pdf format to shawna.rodriguez@yale.edu. A brief (< 2 pages) statement regarding experience or interest in non-research activities in astronomy (e.g. teaching, mentoring, public outreach, DEI, etc) may be submitted, as well. Applicants should include in their cover letter the names and contact information for three potential writers of letters of recommendation, although recommendation letters themselves are not required at this time. Applications will be considered starting on February 3, 2025 – late applications may be considered; please contact Prof. Bailyn before submitting an application after February 3, 2025.