This special endowed research position was created in support of CIERA’s director, currently Prof. Vicky Kalogera. This is a 3-year term position with the possibility of longer-term renewal based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. The nominal starting date will be September 1, 2025, but a different start is negotiable depending on the applicant’s availability.
The Board of Visitors Research Associate will work closely with the director and will have broad responsibility for maintaining the research program of the Director of CIERA, working on proposals, and interacting with the Board of Visitors. The position is a PhD-level, research associate and science manager position. Named for the CIERA Board of Visitors, whose generous donations fund the role, the position is at a similar level to a postdoctoral associate. Depending on prior experience, the possibility of advancement to the research faculty track is available.
Overall Responsibility: The Research Associate will be responsible for scientific planning and progress tracking, proposal preparation, reporting, outreach, and student mentoring and training. Principal duties and responsibilities include:
- Manage the Director’s research group activities, including leading group meetings and managing shared group resources.
- Prepare materials for presentations, proposals, reports, and manuscripts with the director and other group members.
- Scientific communication, including research presentations at national and international meetings, and public outreach.
- Maintain and update documentation on the Director’s and group’s activities, such as publications, funding, and more.
- Interface with other relevant groups and efforts at CIERA, other NU centers and departments, and the SkAI Institute, on behalf of the Director’s research group and projects.
- Regularly interact with the CIERA BoV members about group and other research news.
- Mentor students at different levels of their research studies.
- Up to 20% research time, independent or in collaboration with the director’s group members.
This position will be part of the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern. Successful applicants will benefit from interaction with a broad interdisciplinary group of researchers and will be immersed in a diverse and dynamic intellectual environment (learn more about CIERA’s programs and activities). The BoV Research Associate will have access to three exclusive high-performance computer clusters, providing access to 6,924 compute cores. Additional HPC resources, including high-memory nodes, are available through Northwestern’s Quest cluster (see https://ciera.northwestern.edu/high-performance-computing/ for more information). A dedicated Computational Specialist is also on staff to assist CIERA researchers.
A PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics is required. Background in any of stellar structure and evolution, compact-object astrophysics, gravitational-wave sources and data analysis is highly desired. No formal research program management experience is required, but strong evidence for research excellence, multi-tasking, and organizational skills is highly desired. Must be able to handle a variety of tasks, to effectively solve problems, and to shift priorities as needed. The candidate must be self-motivated, energetic, and able to work independently, bring projects to conclusion, and have the interpersonal skills to work effectively with collaborators, students, administrators, and grant sponsors.
Compensation and Benefits
The annual salary will depend on the experience of the candidate, within the range of $65,000 – $75,000. The position comes with a research budget of $10,000 per year.
The CIERA Board of Visitors Research Associate will be a Northwestern University employee with access to a highly competitive benefits package: http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html
Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Application Details
Please submit applications electronically (AJO Job ID 30199). Applications should include:
- cover letter (stating your interest in and relevant experience/skills for the position)
- CV (including a list of publications with the most important 1 to 3 publications indicated with an asterisk)
- 2-page statement of research accomplishments and goals.
- Applicants should also arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be uploaded to Academic Jobs Online (the letters should address the skills pertinent to the position).
Applications received by August 15 will receive full consideration. Later applications will be considered until the position is filled. Please state that you are applying for the CIERA Board of Visitors Research Associate in your cover letter. Applicants must complete their Ph.D. requirements prior to appointment. All questions should be sent by email to CIERA-Jobs@northwestern.edu.