Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Astrophysics and Star Formation

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Dartmouth College invites applications for a postdoctoral position under the NSF-funded research project ORMAS (The Origin of Massive Stars), led by Profs. Brian Chaboyer and Paolo Padoan. The appointment is for two years, starting at any time between March 1 and September 1, 2025.

The ORMAS project investigates the origin of massive stars with supercomputing simulations of supernova-driven MHD turbulence adopting the new task-based, asynchronous code DISPATCH. The successful candidate is expected to contribute both to code development and numerical data analysis, hence strong programming skills are required. Previous experience with adaptive-mesh-refinement codes and familiarity with astrophysical gas dynamics is preferred. The researcher will interact with the astrophysics group at Dartmouth, as well as international collaborators at the Universities of Copenhagen and Helsinki. There will also be opportunities to collaborate with Dartmouth students on an outreach project.

This position is full-time, non-remote, in-residence at Dartmouth in Hanover, NH. The postdoctoral researcher will be primarily advised and hosted in the Department of Physics and Astronomy-a highly interactive and vibrant community of over 70 faculty, graduate students, and postdocs. Postdoctoral scholars are also supported by the Guarini School for Graduate and Advanced Studies, including their diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Dartmouth is committed to academic excellence and encourages the open exchange of ideas within a culture of mutual respect. People with different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives make the Dartmouth community diverse, which enhances academic excellence. In addition, we value applicants who have a demonstrated ability to contribute to Dartmouth's diversity initiatives in STEM research, such as the Women in Science Project, the EE Just STEM Scholars Program, and the Academic Summer Undergraduate Research Experience. Applicants should address in their cover letter how their research, teaching, service, and/or life experiences prepare them to advance Dartmouth's commitment to diversity in service of academic excellence.

• PhD in astrophysics, physics or computational sciences
• Expertise in computational physics, numerical methods, and high-performance computing
• Interest in gas dynamics, radiative transfer, and turbulence
• Familiarity with scientific programming (C , Fortran) and version control systems
• Strong track record of relevant publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Interest in visualization techniques for large simulation datasets, using platforms like Python, Mathematica, ParaView, or comparable tools
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, organizational affiliations, and levels of expertise
• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrating strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• Ability to work well as a member of teams including undergraduate and graduate students, as well as collaborators at US institutions and abroad
• Willingness to travel to conferences and collaborative meetings, and to participate in or lead community-building activities

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct and analyze simulations; oversee large projects using national supercomputing resources; advance theoretical understanding of MHD turbulence and star formation
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present research at conferences
• Participate in departmental activities, engage with postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students, principal investigators, and project team members across partner institutions
• Foster an equitable, inclusive, and antiracist lab environment; practice understanding-based communication techniques

Please submit the following materials electronically via Interfolio:

1. Cover letter
2. CV including publication list and contact information for three references (in a single file)
3. Statement of research interest and previous computing experience (max. 2 pages)

Review of applications will begin on January 1, 2025; applications submitted after this date will be reviewed until the position is filled. Recommendation letters will be requested only for finalists. For questions about the position, please contact Prof. Paolo Padoan (Paolo.Padoan@dartmouth.edu).