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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

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 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. 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.

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.

Additional Information

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

Applications received by January 15, 2026, will receive full consideration, but will be accepted until the position is filled. The search is expected to end by March 15, 2026. The expected start date is August 15, 2026, but is negotiable. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to J. J. Zanazzi at jxz224@psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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

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Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

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