Post-Doctoral Associate in Protoplanetary Disks and Planet Formation

About the Job

Research Statement:

The successful candidate will join the group of Prof. Charles Law,
who study the physical and chemical structure of protoplanetary
disks and how that structure shapes the planets that form in them.
The group uses multi-wavelength observations with facilities such
as ALMA, JWST, VLA, and LBT. Current interests include disk
chemistry and astrochemistry, disk winds and evolution, the inner
disk as seen with JWST, disk-planet interactions, and the link
between disk properties and exoplanet populations.

Candidates who bring modeling or simulation expertise are
especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be
encouraged to develop independent research directions within this
broader scientific program and to contribute to major collaborative
efforts. They will also have opportunities to supervise and mentor
graduate and undergraduate students.

The University of Minnesota is a partner in the LBT, and Minnesota
researchers can propose for observing time. Post-Doctoral
Associates also have access to the computing resources of the
Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI), including
high-performance computing, large-scale storage, and user support.
The Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics has an active research
community in star and planet formation, exoplanets, galaxies,
cosmology, and computational astrophysics.

Job duties or responsibilities of this position:

60%: Research on protoplanetary disks.

15%: Supervision and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate
students participating in this research.

10%: Maintain familiarity with the latest results and methods in
the field, reading relevant papers, participating in group
meetings, seminars, and conferences.

15%: Communicating research to the group and broader astronomical
community by writing papers for publication in peer-reviewed
journals, giving presentations, and presenting results at domestic
and international conferences. Other duties of a similar scope as
assigned.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Post-Doctoral Associate positions require a Ph.D. in Astronomy,
Astrophysics, Physics, or a related field by the beginning date of
appointment.

Preferred qualifications:

Research experience in protoplanetary disks, planet formation, or a
closely related area. Expertise in one or more of the following:
chemical modeling of protoplanetary disks, radiative transfer
modeling, and hydrodynamic simulations of disk and/or planet-disk
interactions. Experience analyzing data from observational
facilities, such as ALMA, JWST, VLA, or LBT. Experience using
high-performance computing resources.

About the Department

About the Department:

School of Physics and Astronomy: https://cse.umn.edu/physics

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232 - $65,000 ; depending on
education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more
information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional

training

• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling

at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this
position, please click the Apply button and follow the
instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an
online application for the position and attach a cover letter and
resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing
your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My
Cover Letters and Attachments" section. Please include the
following in your application;

• Curriculum vitae,
• Brief description of research interests (One to two

pages),

• Reference list with contact information

To request an accommodation during the application process, please
e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity
and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its
employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is
committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying
identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and
opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without
regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,
age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran
status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful
completion of a background check. Our presumption is that
prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal
convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from
employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the
largest public research universities in the country, offering
undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of
opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one
of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,
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nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by
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for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State
(2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence &
Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life
flexibility.