Job Details

Position Type: Full-Time
Posted: November 30, 2025
Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Hiring Department: Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics & Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds (CEHW), Penn State University
Location: State College, PA
Position Status: Term appointment; length discussed during interview. Continuation depends on university need, performance, and funding availability.

About Penn State University

Penn State is a leading public research university committed to advancing teaching, research, and public service. The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and CEHW conduct innovative research in exoplanets, planetary systems, and habitability. Faculty, staff, and students collaborate on observational, theoretical, and instrumentation projects with access to interdisciplinary resources and partnerships, including Penn State Planetary, Astrobiology Research Center, Extraterrestrial Intelligence Center, and Planetary System Science Center.

Position Summary

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and CEHW at Penn State are seeking postdoctoral researchers to join their teams. Successful applicants will contribute to projects such as:

• Planning, executing, analyzing, and conducting science for planet surveys (e.g., Habitable Zone Planet Finder on the 10m Hobby-Eberly Telescope, NEID instrument on WIYN 3.5m telescope)

• Improving technology, algorithms, and data analysis to mitigate stellar activity

• Precursor science for the Habitable Worlds Observatory using NEID and/or HPF

• Characterizing exoplanet atmospheres and surfaces using JWST

• Participating in SETI research

• Advancing precision spectroscopy and radial velocity instrumentation for terrestrial planet detection

Postdoctoral researchers will work with teams of students and Ph.D. researchers, pursue independent research, and contribute to department outreach initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, Statistics, or a related field prior to the start date

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent or collaborative research

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following electronically:

• Cover letter (indicating preferred faculty mentor(s))

• Statement of research interests

• Curriculum vitae

• List of publications

• Letters of reference (PDF) uploaded via CEHW Reference Upload

Application Review: Begins January 4, 2026. Applications received by January 3, 2026, receive full consideration. Review continues until positions are filled.

Contact for Questions: astro-jobs@psu.edu (include Job Number REQ_0000073486 in the subject line)

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support personal and professional well-being. More information is available here.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work primarily in office and laboratory settings

• Reasonable accommodations provided for qualified individuals with disabilities

Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Penn State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.