The Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern University invites applications for postdoctoral associate positions in observational and theoretical astronomy and astrophysics starting in fall 2026.
These positions 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). Northwestern has institutional access to several mid- and large-scale optical/IR ground-based telescope facilities, including Keck, MMT, and Magellan, as well as the forthcoming La Silla Schmidt Southern Survey (LS4) and Giant Magellan Telescope. Postdoctoral researchers can apply for nights through CIERA’s internal time allocation process (see sites.northwestern.edu/cieraobserving for more information). CIERA researchers have exclusive access to two high-performance computer clusters and additional HPC resources, including high-memory nodes, are available through Northwestern’s Quest cluster (see ciera.northwestern.edu/high-performance-computing for more information). A dedicated Computational Specialist is also on staff to assist CIERA researchers.
Of particular interest this year are candidates who will work with:
- Prof. Wen-fai Fong in observational time-domain astronomy, including the study of fast radio bursts, gravitational wave follow-up, gamma-ray bursts, and their host galaxies. Applicants with broad experience in observation and/or handling large data sets are encouraged to apply.
- Prof. Adam Miller in observational time-domain astronomy, focusing on the study of Type Ia supernovae while working to combine observations and analysis of a large sample of SNe Ia observed simultaneously by both the LS4 and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST).
- Prof. Lena Murchikova in tackling problems related to accretion and feedback in supermassive black holes. Including studies of the Milky Way’s Galactic Center on scales ranging from the event horizon to a few parsecs, of other well-resolved galactic centers, and/or observationally motivated model-building for SMBH feeding and feedback. The group integrates observations, theory, data analysis, algorithm development, model-building, and numerical simulations.
Please submit applications electronically (AJO Job ID 30492). Applications should include a cover letter (stating your interest in and relevant experience/skills for the position), a CV (including a list of publications with the most important 1 to 3 publications indicated with an asterisk), a three-page statement of research accomplishments and plans, and arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be uploaded to Academic Jobs Online. Note that it is highly encouraged to customize your application for the specific faculty you would like to work with.
All questions should be sent by email to CIERA-Jobs@northwestern.edu. Applications received by December 15, 2025 will receive full consideration. Later applications will be considered until all positions are filled. Please state that you are applying for a Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Associate position in your cover letter. If you wish to apply for other CIERA positions, submit a separate application per position applied. Applicants must complete their Ph.D. requirements prior to appointment.
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Image credit: Sakkmesterke/Science