Staff Associate, Postdoctoral Researcher in Star Formation and Magnetic Fields

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension or 401(a)

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Dental insurance

Paid vacation

Sick days

Personal days

Paid holidays

Tuition remission

Job summary

Worcester State University invites applications for a Staff Associate, Postdoctoral Researcher in Star Formation and Magnetic Fields. The appointee will conduct research with Dr. Ian Stephens, using SOFIA data to build a unified HAWC+ polarization dataset.

Funding covers two years with a possible third; collaboration with the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is available. The preferred start date is September, but other dates may be considered.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field by date of appointment.
• Ability to conduct research and analyze data.
• Ability to travel to each work site, as necessary.
• Ability to pass a thorough background check and CORI check.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research at Worcester State University.
• Compares observations with models to interpret the role of magnetic fields in forming stars within a galaxy's magnetized spiral potential.
• Maintains regular communication with WSU supervisor(s).
• Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with the research project.
• Demonstrates civility and professional, customer-service oriented behavior, worthy of emulation by other staff and students.
• Responsible for contributing to the WSU Strategic Plan through research activities.
• Responsible for contributing to Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action objectives through research activities.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Collaborative work

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy/astrophysics

Job description

About Worcester State University:

WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY is a liberal arts and sciencesuniversity with a long tradition of academic excellence dating backto 1874, as well as an Affinity Action/Equal OpportunityEmployer that seeks to reflect the diversity of its community. Ourworkforce is dedicated to academic quality, student-centeredprogramming, engaged citizenship, open exchanges of ideas,diversity and inclusiveness, and civility and integrity. We arelooking for job applicants who share these values and commitment toour students.

Worcester State is centrally located in Massachusetts, about anhour's drive from Boston, Springfield, and Providence, RhodeIsland. Our 58-acre campus is nestled in the residential northwestside of Worcester--the second largest city in New England and home to 37,000 college students at more than a dozen colleges anduniversities. Over 6,000 of those students attend WorcesterState--approximately 5,300 are undergraduates and 1,000 aregraduate students. Learn more about us at worcester.edu/about.

Job Description

OFFICIAL TITLE: Staff Associate, Postdoctoral Researcher in Star Formation and Magnetic Fields

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Assistant Professor (Ian Stephens)and/or Dean for the School of Science, Technology, and Health

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: N/A

General Statement of Duties: The Staff Associate,Postdoctoral Researcher in Star Formation and Magnetic Fields willconduct research in collaboration with Dr. Ian Stephens atWorcester State University (WSU). The incumbent will work with datafrom the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).Part of the funding is to build a single, unified dataset of allHAWC+ polarization data for star-forming regions. Other funds willbe used to analyze HAWC+ polarization data to understand themagnetic fields of specific regions in the Gould Belt. Funding isavailable for 2 years, with a third year possible if more fundingis secured. The WSU postdoc will also have an opportunity tocollaborate at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard &Smithsonian. The preferred start date is September, but other startdates are possible as well.

Responsibilities

(E) = Essential

1. (E) Conducts research at Worcester State University.
2. (E) Compares observations with models to interpret the role ofmagnetic fields in forming stars within a galaxy's magnetizedspiral potential.
3. (E) Maintains regular communication with WSUsupervisor(s).
4. (E) Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with the research project.
5. (E) Demonstrates civility and professional, customer-serviceoriented behavior, worthy of emulation by other staff andstudents.
6. (E) Responsible for contributing to the WSU Strategic Planthrough research activities.
7. (E) Responsible for contributing to EqualOpportunity/Affirmative Action objectives through researchactivities.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field, conferredby date of appointment
• Ability to successfully conduct research and analyze data.
• Ability to travel to each work site, as necessary.
• Ability to successfully pass a thorough background check andCORI check.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position withor without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in star formation.
• Research experience in polarimetry.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, grant-funded, benefited, exempt, professionalNon-Unit position. The firm annual salary for this position is$65,000, commensurate with relevant professional experience andeducation. Funding for this position is available for 2 years, with a third year possible if more funding is secured.

Here at Worcester State University, it is strongly recommended thatall employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they beginemployment.

Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits packagethat includes:

• a choice of 8 different pre-taxed, health insurance planoptions
• a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirementoptions
• life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
• long-term disability coverage
• dental insurance
• 20 vacation days accrued per year
• 15 sick days accrued per year
• 5 personal days per year
• paid holidays
• tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children
• and more...

We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V.Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are stronglyencouraged to apply.