Openings

We are always interested in hearing from people who want to measure magnetic fields in galaxies or resolve the dust around supermassive black holes — at any career stage. If nothing below fits, email me anyway.

Enquiries welcome

Postdoctoral Researchers

Postdoctoral positions in the group are tied to specific programs — currently the Baselines JWST AMI survey of nearby AGN and our ongoing NASA Precursor Science program developing the science cases for PRIMA. Advertised positions appear on the AAS Job Register and here.

What we are looking for

  1. Observational astronomer — to work on Baselines, our JWST aperture-masking interferometry survey of nearby AGN.
  2. Computational astronomer — to work on our NASA Precursor Science program, developing the science cases for PRIMA.

How to apply

  • Email me to start a conversation.
  • A job listing will be posted when a position becomes available.

I am also glad to support applications for independent fellowships — NASA Hubble, NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, and others. Contact me well before the deadline so we can develop the proposal together.

Email the PI AAS Job Register
Not accepting students

Graduate Students

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of South Carolina offers PhD and MS degrees, and admits students through a single departmental application. Graduate students in the group work on extragalactic magnetism, AGN accretion and feedback, and JWST interferometric imaging — with real observing programs, not simulated data.

We are not accepting graduate students at this time.

How to apply

  • Apply to the USC Physics and Astronomy graduate program and name me as a potential advisor.
  • Email me before you apply so we can talk about what you want to work on.
  • Current USC students looking for a thesis advisor are welcome to get in touch any time.
USC graduate program
Accepting students

Undergraduate Researchers

Undergraduates are a core part of this group. Students can join through ASTR 399 or ASTR 499 independent study credit, through Honors College senior thesis work, or as paid research assistants when funding allows.

What you need

  • Curiosity, and a willingness to learn Python if you do not already know it.
  • Introductory astronomy (ASTR 101 or ASTR 201) helps but is not required to start.
  • A realistic commitment of around 6–10 hours per week during the semester.

What you get

  • A well-defined project with real telescope data and a path to a publishable result.
  • Training in Python, statistics, scientific writing and presenting.
  • Support for REU, Goldwater, NSF GRFP and graduate school applications.
Email the PI Course credit options
Annual intake

High School Interns

We invite high school students for a year-long or a semester-long internship in astronomy at the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Interns work with data from NASA telescopes — JWST and SOFIA — to understand the physical structure of galaxies hosting supermassive black holes, working directly with Prof. Lopez-Rodriguez alongside the undergraduate and graduate students in the group.

Over the project an intern will

  • Install and use Python and other scientific analysis tools.
  • Write their own Python scripts to solve analytical problems.
  • Build a working understanding of astronomical observations and the scientific process.
  • Give a general talk about the experience at a high school in Columbia and within our department.
  • Identify universities to apply to, and draft application materials — CV and personal statement.

We expect consistent performance, attendance and open communication. The internship runs for one year or one semester.

Email the PI

Before You Write

A short, specific email goes a long way. Tell me what you have worked on, what you would like to work on, and when you would be available. If you have a CV, attach it. I read everything, though it can take me a week or two to reply during term.

elopezrodriguez@sc.edu · Jones 603, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of South Carolina