Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Posted: 11/04/2025
Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Job Number: REQ_0000073107

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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 involve:

• Hydrodynamic simulations

• First-principles calculations of how embedded planets, binary companions, and/or streamers affect protoplanetary disks

• Producing theoretical predictions testable by observations

In addition, the postdoc will be encouraged to develop their own research program in collaboration with, and in parallel to, Prof. Zanazzi.

Research Environment

Penn State hosts a vibrant community of scientists working on many aspects of exoplanetary astrophysics, including:

• Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds

• Consortium for Planetary and Exoplanetary Science and Technology

• Astrobiology Research Center

• Extraterrestrial Intelligence Center

• Planetary Science Center

Penn State is heavily involved with 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

• Ph.D. 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 (continuum, line, or scattered light emission) is a plus.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted electronically and include:

1. Cover Letter

2. Statement of Research Interests

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

4. List of Publications

Additionally, please arrange for three professional reference letters to be sent to jxz224@psu.edu.

• Full consideration deadline: January 15, 2026

• Applications accepted until the position is filled

• Search expected to end by: March 15, 2026

• Expected start date: August 15, 2026 (negotiable)

• Contact for questions: J. J. Zanazzi (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 supporting personal and professional well-being.
See the Benefits Page for details.

Campus Security and 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 Fire Safety Report (ASR).
The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol/drug use, crime prevention, reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.
The ASR is available for review here.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, 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 the online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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