The Department of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to pursue innovative research in collaboration with Assistant Professor Maxwell Millar-Blanchaer. The Millar-Blanchaer group carries out a range of observational and experimental research related to exoplanetary system imaging, with a specialty in polarimetric science and instrumentation.

The successful candidate will spend ~50% of their time on the planning and development of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Coronagraphic Instrument. A further 20-30% of their time will be spent supporting laboratory or observational research programs within the Millar-Blanchaer group. The remainder of the time may be used to maintain an independent research program.

Scientists at UCSB have privileged access to the twin Keck Observatory telescopes (http://www.keckobservatory.org), Lick Observatory (http://www.ucolick.org), and the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network (http://lcogt.net). UCSB provides a stimulating research environment with faculty and staff pursuing a broad range of topics in astronomy and astrophysics (http://web.physics.ucsb.edu/~astrogroup), and the Kavli Center for Theoretical Physics (https://www.kitp.ucsb.edu) hosts several astrophysics workshops each year.

The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service as appropriate to the position.

Applicants must have completed all requirements for Ph.D. (or equivalent), except the dissertation, at the time of application. The Ph.D. is expected to be in the fields of Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, Optical Science or closely related field.

The candidate must have received their Ph.D. in the fields of Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, Optical Science or closely related field by the time the appointment begins.

It is preferred that candidates have 2-3 years of experience in astronomical observations, instrumentation, data analysis, high-contrast imaging, circumstellar disk science, and/or polarimetry.

• 2 letters of reference required

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.