Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Postdoctoral Research Scientist Employer Columbia University, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics Location Livermore, California, US Salary $72,116 Posted Apr 22, 2026 Posting live until Jul 21, 2026 Discipline Astronomy, cosmology & space science, Atomic & molecular science Job type

Academic:

postdoc Description The Columbia University Astrophysics Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist position in experimental atomic physics. The project is entitled "Line Survey and Density Sensitivity Studies in Support of Hinode, MUSE, and Solar-C". The successful candidate will join the group of Drs. Daniel Wolf Savin and Michael Hahn. The experimental work will be carried out using the electron beam ion trap (EBIT-I) located at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA. The research is being carried out in collaboration with the groups of Dr. Peter Beiersdorfer at the University of California Berkeley and Dr. Greg Brown at LLNL. The successful candidate will be appointed at Columbia, but will be based at LLNL. The appointment will be initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years; this is contingent upon the availability of funds and mutual satisfaction. Qualifications The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Physics, Applied Physics, or a related discipline. Experience with atomic physics experiments and/or laboratory astrophysics is highly desirable. Desired laboratory skills include single particle/photon detectors and the associated electronics (including CCDs, MCPs, and microcalorimeters); magnetically guided electron beams; understanding of accelerator physics; EUV, UV, and optical spectrometers; spectral analysis and line fitting; EBITs; and ultrahigh vacuum systems. Desired computer skills include programming; multidimensional data analysis; atomic structure and collision codes (e.g., FAC, CHIANTI); IGOR Pro; Python; IDL; Linux/Mac OS; and Windows OS. Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar CAD software is a plus. The successful candidate will have a strong background in at least some of the areas listed above, a proven research ability, and evidence of future research potential. They are expected to be able to work well independently and cooperatively with a team and to communicate the results of their research both orally and in writing. Demonstrated written and oral communication skills are highly desirable. Application Instructions Applicants should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vita (including a list of publications) and a statement of past research (three-page limit). Applications can be submitted via email to labastro@columbia.edu. In addition, they should arrange to have three letters of reference sent directly by the writers to labastro@columbia.edu. Applications will be considered only after all of the requested material has been received. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about this position can be addressed to labastro@columbia.edu. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Pay Transparency Disclosure The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.