Postdoctoral Scholar

Overview

The TARDIS collaboration is actively applying and extending the Monte Carlo radiative‑transfer open‑science framework TARDIS (https://tardis‑sn.github.io/) to model the physics of astrophysical transients. The group has a specific focus on Type Ia progenitor problems, nucleosynthesis in neutron star mergers, progenitors of stripped core‑collapse supernovae, and cosmology using Type IIP supernovae.

We use data from current (ZTF, HST, JWST) and next‑generation telescopes/surveys (LSST, WFIRST) to address scientific questions using machine learning and statistical methodology. Thus, the larger global TARDIS collaboration encompasses not only astrophysicists but also accomplished researchers in statistics, neural networks, and general machine learning. The group at MSU is jointly based in the Department of Physics and Astronomy as well as the new interdisciplinary Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering.

The work of this postdoc will be to extend the microphysics of the TARDIS and then model observational data and publish the results. The group welcomes applicants to two postdoctoral positions for the following science case:

• Conduct detailed studies on the physics of common envelope events in binary star systems with a specific emphasis on using the TARDIS code to post‑process hydro‑simulations of these events, providing synthetic spectra.

Extend the TARDIS microphysics and model observational data, contributing to construction and maintenance of the framework. Lead the publication of results, including synthetic spectra generation and interpretation.

Take leadership roles in shaping the group and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, with training provided in paper and grant writing, research presentations, and networking.

Doctorate in astronomy, physics, or a related subject by the appointment start (no later than Fall 2026). Strong track record in open science, including open‑source software development and open data sets. Experience with radiative transfer methods is preferred, but not essential. Mentoring experience is advantageous but not required.

Submit a brief cover letter describing interest and optional research proposal using TARDIS; a CV including thesis title, publication list; and if applicable, a brief description of mentorship experience or contributions to open‑source/open science. Provide contact details for three references. Applications should be submitted through the MSU hiring website ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).), posting 1114055.

Applications submitted by March 7 will receive full consideration. The position remains open until filled.

For questions, contact Prof. Wolfgang Kerzendorf (wkerzend).

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.