Postdoctoral Researcher – Protoplanetary Disks and Planet Formation

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

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.

Skills

Additional Information

• Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter, statement of research interests, a CV, and a list of publications.
• Please arrange for three professional reference letters to be sent to jxz224@psu.edu.

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.

Pay

The expected start date is August 15, 2026, but is negotiable.

Schedule

The search is expected to end by March 15, 2026.

Background checks/clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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.