The CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY invites applications and nominations for a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project Office

TMT is seeking highly qualified candidates to fill a research position, initially 1 year renewable for up to 2 years, having as its main focus the development and evaluation of advanced laser guide star (LGS) adaptive optics (AO) systems concepts for large and future extremely large telescopes. The position is open to researchers with a strong background in astronomical applications of AO and/or AO system design and analysis; a PhD in astronomy, optics or a related science is required. The successful candidate should be able to begin their appointment in the fall/winter of 2006. (To learn more about the TMT Project go to www.tmt.org)

The successful candidate must show evidence of experience and expertise in the following areas:

• Developing AO systems concepts and requirements from astronomical research objectives.
• Familiarity with existing and planned AO system concepts and capabilities for large and extremely large telescopes.
• Analytical and simulation modeling methods for AO systems and wavefront sensors.
• Supporting computer programming skills.
• Scientific documentation and communication skills.

Experience in exploring or developing concepts for astronomical applications of wide (to very wide) field-of-view AO is of particular interest.

The successful applicant will be based at the TMT project office in Pasadena, CA, and will work closely with researchers at the W.M. Keck Observatory and the Laboratory for Adaptive Optics at the CfAO.

Interested applicants should forward a vita, bibliography and the names of three references to Magnolia Ycasas (email: magnolia@tmt.org), Caltech/Thirty Meter Telescope, Mail Code 102-8, Pasadena, CA 91125. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Brent Ellerbroek (email: brente@tmt.org). Posted Aug.8, 2006.

The person selected for this position will be a Caltech Postdoctoral Scholar who will be subject to Institute policies and procedures and will participate in its benefits program. However, the position is intended to support the Thirty Meter Telescope Project (TMT).