Location: Fullerton, CA

Department: Research Grant Employees

Category: Research

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 03758

Description

The Nicholas and Lee Begovich Center for Gravitational-Wave Physics and Astronomy (GWPAC) at California State University, Fullerton welcomes applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in numerical relativity. The successful applicant will carry out a research program in numerical relativity that accelerates the center’s efforts to use spectral-type methods to model merging black holes with nearly extremal spins at high accuracy.

GWPAC faculty members include Geoffrey Lovelace, Jocelyn Read, and Director Joshua Smith. Current areas of focus in GWPAC include numerical relativity, including simulations of merging, rapidly spinning black holes and contributions to the development of SpECTRE, a next-generation numerical-relativity code; planning for next-generation gravitational-wave astrophysics, experimental and theoretical development toward the next generation of gravitational-wave observatories; experimental gravitational-wave detector optics; searches for binary systems with black holes and neutron stars with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO); waveform modeling, including neutron stars with realistic equations of state, modes, and tides.

The numerical-relativity group in GWPAC is currently focusing its effort on simulating merging black holes with rapid spins using spectral-type methods, with the goal of advancing these simulations so that they can model the emitted gravitational waves at the accuracy future observatories, such as Cosmic Explorer, will need. The group is also focusing on improving SpECTRE, an open-source, next-generation numerical-relativity code, toward the goal of SpECTRE being ready to produce high-quality simulations of merging binary black holes with rapid spins.

*Please be aware that funding for this position is awarded through a Grant/Contract over a specified period. Employment for this position beyond current Grant/Contract funding is contingent upon continued funding or new Grant/Contract.

Essential Duties

• Contribute efforts to use the Spectral Einstein Code (SpEC) and SpECTRE to simulate merging black holes with spins nearly as fast as possible.
• Establish and carry out a research program in numerical relativity that complements existing strengths in GWPAC.
• Participate in outreach programs associated with GWPAC-related science.
• Participate in the Simulating eXtreme Spacetimes (SXS) numerical-relativity collaboration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience in using spectral-type methods to simulate merging black holes with spins nearly as fast as possible

EDUCATION:

• Minimum Ph.D in physics, astronomy, or a related field and/or currently enrolled in a Ph.D program.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Prolonged sitting in front of computer. Walking, talking, hearing, pulling, bending, may carry 10-25 pounds of objects/material, not exposed to extreme noise level, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, taste or smell.

BENEFITS:

Health, dental, vision, life, health care flex plan, LTD, vacation, sick leave, holiday, credit union, tuition reimbursement and retirement plan with company match. All benefits will be administered according to policies and/or procedures.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

CSU Fullerton, Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at (657) 278-4117.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the ASC. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current ASC employees who apply for the position.

Benefits:

ASC offers comprehensive benefits based on employment classification. To learn more about ASC's benefits please view the information here.

Salary Range: 76,793.00-81,793.00