Staff Associate, Postdoctoral Researcher in Star Formation and Magnetic Fields

Staff Associate, Postdoctoral Researcher in Star Formation and Magnetic Fields About Worcester State University

WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY is a liberal arts and sciences university with a long tradition of academic excellence dating back to 1874, as well as an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer that seeks to reflect the diversity of its community. Our workforce is dedicated to academic quality, student‑centered programming, engaged citizenship, open exchanges of ideas, diversity and inclusiveness, and civility and integrity. Worcester State is centrally located in Massachusetts, about an hour’s drive from Boston, Springfield, and Providence, Rhode Island.

Our 58‑acre campus is nestled in the residential northwest side of Worcester, the second largest city in New England and home to 37,000 college students at more than a dozen colleges and universities. Over 6,000 of those students attend Worcester State; approximately 5,300 are undergraduates and 1,000 are graduate students. Learn more about us /about.

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 will conduct research in collaboration with Dr. Ian Stephens at Worcester State University (WSU). The incumbent will work with data from the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Part of the funding is to build a single, unified dataset of all HAWC+ polarization data for star‑forming regions.

Other funds will be used to analyze HAWC+ polarization data to understand the magnetic fields of specific regions in the Gould Belt. Funding is available for 2 years, with a third year possible if more funding is secured. The WSU postdoc will also have an opportunity to collaborate at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. Preferred start date is September, but other start dates are possible as well.

• 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.

• Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field, conferred by 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 and CORI check.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

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

This is a full‑time, grant‑funded, benefited, exempt, professional Non‑Unit position. The firm annual salary for this position is $65,000, commensurate with relevant professional experience and education. Funding for this position is available for 2 years, with a third year possible if more funding is secured. It is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID‑19 before they begin employment.

Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• A choice of 8 different pre‑taxed, health insurance plan options.
• A choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options.
• 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 strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must apply online and may do so by visiting (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). submitting a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. For assistance with uploading materials, log a ticket via the Help Desk link, or contact us directly at 508‑929‑8053. URL:.edu