Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position to work with Professor Ian Crossfield and his ExoLab research group. Of particular interest are applications targeting any area of exoplanetary atmospheres, whether from observations, modeling, simulations, or a combination thereof. 

The successful applicant will work to analyze and/or interpret archival, planned, and/or newly-acquired spectroscopic data sets from JWST, HST, Roman ST, and/or ground-based observatories. The NASA-funded project will focus on characterizing the nature of exoplanet atmospheres (whether transiting or directly imaged) through a combination of modeling and/or observation in order to better measure the chemistry, chemical abundances, and related atmospheric properties of these distant worlds. Observations may include emission (in eclipse and/or from direct spectroscopy), transmission, and/or phase curve spectroscopy. Modeling may focus on some or all of atmospheric chemistry, thermal and internal structure, and aerosol (cloud and haze) properties through some combination of forward and/or inverse (retrieval) methods. Candidates are particularly sought who can demonstrate experience and/or interest in the analysis and interpretation of exoplanetary spectra and/or related data products.

The KU ExoLab is a growing, thriving group with members working in transiting atmospheric studies, precise radial velocities, high-resolution and high-contrast characterization, and design work for future exoplanet-focused space missions. The successful candidate is expected to take a leadership role in advancing the group’s research program, interacting with and mentoring students, and presenting at international meetings and conferences. 

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physics or a related field by their start date. The position is available as early as Sep 2025 (start date is negotiable) for an initial period of two years and a possible extension, and comes with funds for travel and research expenses. Applicants should send a cover letter, a description of research expertise and interests (as pertaining to the projects described above), and a curriculum vitae with names and email addresses of at least two references to Ian Crossfield (ianc@ku.edu). Applications received before April 16, 2025 will receive full consideration; review will continue until the position is filled.  For more information and to apply go to: https://employment.ku.edu/staff/30037BR.

Lawrence, Kansas is a thriving, creative community less than an hour from Kansas City, that combines extremely high quality of life with low cost of living and minimal commuting time. Lawrence was recently ranked as the Number One most-educated small city in the country,and is also in the top ten best small-art towns and top ten university performance spaces. Live music, outdoor activities, sports, protected bike routes for commuting and recreation, a bustling municipal bus network, daily Amtrak train service to Chicago and Los Angeles. The department also has a growing and active science outreach program, including regular local telescope viewings, a new planetarium system, and an upcoming updated campus observatory.