Applications are invited for postdoctoral fellowships for independent research on the origin and evolution of stars, planets, and life. We are seeking theorists and observers working in the fields of star and planet formation, extrasolar planet detection and characterization, planetary astronomy, and the physical and chemical evolution of prebiotic compounds.

DTM has an active group of researchers in these and other areas. Vera Rubin’s work centers on extragalactic astronomy. Alan Boss and John Chambers head the theoretical effort to understand the formation of stellar and planetary systems, while Paul Butler is a leader in the spectroscopic search for extrasolar planets. Alycia Weinberger observes circumstellar disks, including nearby debris and protoplanetary disks. Scott Sheppard studies small, primordial bodies in our Solar System. Conel Alexander, Larry Nittler, and George Cody perform laboratory studies of pre-planetary materials (including circumstellar grains and interstellar organics) in meteorites and interplanetary dust. Planetary scientist Sean Solomon is involved in spacecraft missions at Mars and leads the MESSENGER mission to Mercury.

Our fellows have access to a wide range of facilities. Fellows are eligible to apply for time at Carnegie’s Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, including the twin 6.5-m Magellan telescopes. Theoretical calculations are performed on the Carnegie Clusters of Alpha and Xeon processors. Spectroscopic techniques applied to pre-planetary materials include ion microprobe, solid-state NMR, GC-MS, and synchrotron X-ray and IR-spectrometry. DTM fellowships provide support for observing, travel, computing, and publication.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and a promising record of research and publication. A C.V., list of publications, brief statement of research plans, and three letters of recommendation, sent directly to us by those familiar with your work, should be submitted to the above address by 1 December 2008. Fellowships may be renewed for up to three years. Women and minority candidates are especially encouraged to apply. AAE/EOE.