Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) and University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) seek a postdoctoral scientist to work on the follow up of Near Earth Objects (NEOs) and the creation of a citizen science program. The ideal candidate should have demonstrated expertise in observations of Solar System objects and experience with software development, although candidates from other astrophysical fields with a software background are also encouraged.

This position is funded by a grant from NASA to: 1) develop and exploit the LCO global network of robotic telescopes for NEO follow-up; 2) lead photometric and spectroscopic characterization of NEOs; and 3) assist in the creation of a web-based citizen science environment for Solar System investigations by the general public.

LCO currently operates ten 1-meter and two 2-meter robotic telescopes, which will be used in this program. The 2-meter Faulkes Telescopes in Haleakala, Hawaii, and Siding Spring, Australia feature both imagers and robotic FLOYDS low-resolution spectrographs. The 1-meter telescopes have imagers and are located at McDonald Observatory in Texas, CTIO in Chile, Siding Spring in Australia, and SAAO in South Africa.

Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and research statement, and should arrange to have three letters of reference sent to [email protected]. Applications complete by August 4, 2017 will receive full consideration and the preferred start date is October 1, A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline is required. The term of this position is 1 year, with a possibility of extension pending a successful funding outcome.

Applications should be sent to Sarah Rettinger ([email protected]); inquiries can be sent to Dr. Tim Lister ([email protected])