Position Summary
The TARDIS collaboration is actively applying and extending the Monte Carlo radiative-transfer open-science framework TARDIS (https://tardis-sn.github.io/) to model the physics of astrophysical transients. The group has a specific focus on Type Ia progenitor problems, nucleosynthesis in neutron star mergers, progenitors of stripped core-collapse supernovae, and cosmology using Type IIP supernovae.
We use data from current (ZTF, HST, JWST) and next-generation telescopes/surveys (LSST, WFIRST) to address scientific questions using machine learning and statistical methodology. Thus, the larger global TARDIS collaboration encompasses not only astrophysicists but also accomplished researchers in statistics, neural networks, and general machine learning. The group at MSU is jointly based in the Department of Physics and Astronomy as well as the new interdisciplinary Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering.
The work of this postdoc will be to extend the microphysics of the TARDIS and then modeling observational data and publish the results. The group welcomes applicants to two postdoctoral positions for the following science cases:
- Conduct detailed studies on the physics of common envelope events in binary star systems with a specific emphasis on using the TARDIS code to post-process hydro-simulations of these events providing synthetic spectra.
The position’s scientific output relies heavily on the TARDIS radiative transfer framework, and successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the construction/maintenance of the framework as well as leading the publication of results.
The TARDIS group at Michigan State University puts a strong emphasis on professional development and mentorship. We expect successful applicants to take active leadership roles in shaping the group and mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students. The TARDIS group does not expect the applicants to have existing experience in leadership and mentoring but will provide training for both. The group also sets up a mentorship plan for incoming new members which is linked to the astronomy department mentorship program. The professional development includes training in paper and grant writing, research presentations, and networking.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Astronomy, physics, or a related subject
Minimum Requirements
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in astronomy, physics, or a related subject by the appointment start, which would be no later than Fall 2026. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
We particularly encourage applicants with a demonstrated track record in open science, including open-source software development and open data sets. Experience with radiative transfer methods is preferred, but not essential.
Required Application Materials
Applicants should submit a brief cover letter describing their interest in the position and optionally proposing personal research projects using TARDIS, CV including thesis title, publication list, and if applicable, mentorship experience and/or contributions to open source/open science.
Applicants should provide contact details for three references. We might request letters from these references at a later stage.
Applications should be submitted through the MSU hiring website (https://careers.msu.edu), posting, posting 1114055.
Special Instructions
Applications submitted by 7th of March will receive full consideration but the position will remain open until filled.
For any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Prof. Wolfgang Kerzendorf (wkerzend@msu.edu)
Review of Applications Begins On
03/07/2026
Website
https://pa.msu.edu/
MSU Statement
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