Postdoctoral Fellowship in Solar System Science

Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO); Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 67,500 - 82,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Health insurance

Paid time off

Travel support

Job summary

Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) is offering a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Solar System Science based in Goleta, California. The selected candidate will specialize in Near‑Earth Objects and collaborate on major projects like NASA’s DART and ESA’s Hera.

This two‑year position, with a likely extension, offers a starting salary of $75,000 and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and be experienced in astronomical software development, preferably with Python.

Qualifications

• Conduct observational and data‑analysis research in Solar System science.
• Collaborate with Solar System science group and related teams.
• Develop software tools for research support.

Responsibilities

• Gain experience with LCO’s global telescope network.
• Contribute to NASA’s DART and ESA’s Hera missions.
• Present results at conferences and contribute to publications.

Skills

Astronomical software development

Research in Solar System studies

Experience with Python

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline

Tools

LCO's TOM Toolkit

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Solar System Science

Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) seeks a postdoctoral research fellow specializing in Solar System science, focusing on Near‑Earth Objects, comets, and related time‑domain phenomena.

The postdoctoral fellow will gain experience with LCO’s global telescope network, contribute to surveys and missions such as NASA’s DART, ESA’s Hera, and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, and collaborate with a broad network of scientists.

• Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline (required by start date).
• Experience in astronomical software development, preferably in Python.
• Strong research background in Solar System studies (e.g., NEOs, comets).

• Conduct observational and data‑analysis research in Solar System science.
• Collaborate with the Solar System science group and related teams on surveys and missions.
• Develop and utilize software tools, including LCO’s TOM Toolkit, to support research.
• Present results at conferences and contribute to publications.

The position is a two‑year appointment starting in September 2026 or earlier, with a likely third‑year extension based on evaluations. The successful applicant will receive a starting salary of $75,000 and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, holidays, travel support, page charges, and computing resources.

LCO is an Equal Opportunity employer. Our mission is to advance our understanding of the universe through science and education with our unique global telescope network. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures.

We are a private, non‑profit corporation based in Santa Barbara, California, and the position is on‑site in Goleta. US work authorization is required.