What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Fellow Atmosphere Spectroscopy position at Carnegie Science?
Carnegie Science: Observatories
Location
Pasadena, CA
Open Date
Nov 19, 2025
Salary Range or Pay Grade
81,500
Deadline
Dec 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Description
We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Carnegie Science Observatories in Pasadena, California, USA. The Postdoctoral Fellow would work with Dr. Shreyas Vissapragada on a radial velocity (RV) survey to detect Neptune-mass planets using the PFS, HARPS-N, and NEID spectrographs, with an eye towards current and future atmospheric characterization of these worlds with HST, JWST, and Ariel. Fellow would be expected to lead key publications for the RV survey. The appointment would begin no later than Apr 1 2026 and last for two years, with possible extension contingent on availability of funds.
The starting annual salary is $81,500 and the position includes benefits and funds for relocation, computing, publications, and travel. Part of the Fellow’s time may be available for independent research using the facilities at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile (including the twin 6.5-meter Magellan telescopes). The Fellow would have access to dedicated computational facilities and Carnegie observing facilities on the same basis as the scientific staff.
Qualifications
- Previous experience in scheduling RV observations, collecting RV data, jointly fitting transit and RV datasets, and atmospheric spectroscopy are therefore beneficial, but we encourage anyone with a keen interest in this topic to apply.
- Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field or expect to earn their Ph.D. before the appointment begins.
Application Instructions
Applications should include:
A cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in the position. The cover letter may also include information about the applicant’s background, service commitments, or commitment to broadening participation in the field.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A statement describing previous and current research activities that are relevant to the role (2 pages maximum not counting references).
The contact information for two referecences. Please note, references will be able to submit their letters directly through Interfolio.
For full consideration, please submit your application by Monday, December 15. Any inquiries can be directed to Dr. Shreyas Vissapragada at svissapragada@carnegiescience.edu.
Application Process
This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.
Salary : $81,500