The Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern University invites applications for CIERA Postdoctoral Fellowships.
CIERA Fellows have the opportunity to pursue an independent research program and benefit from a diverse and dynamic intellectual environment (learn more about CIERA’s programs and activities). Candidates in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics are encouraged to apply. Northwestern has institutional access to several mid- and large-scale optical/IR ground-based telescope facilities, including Keck, MMT, SEDMv2, 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.
When appropriate, interdisciplinary connections are welcome (e.g., to computer science, applied math, planetary sciences, astrobiology, chemistry, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering). In addition to astrophysicists, we encourage applications from recent Ph.D. graduates in related fields who are interested in switching to astrophysics and/or applying their knowledge from another field to astrophysical problems. For current areas of research led by CIERA faculty, as well as research resources and facilities, see ciera.northwestern.edu/research.
Fellowship appointments will be for a three-year term starting in September 2027. The expected salary range is $85,000-$90,000 and the position comes with a competitive benefits package and a research budget of $16,000 per year.
Please submit applications electronically on Academic Jobs Online #32506. 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. All questions should be sent by email to CIERA-Jobs@northwestern.edu. Applications received by November 16, 2026, will receive full consideration. Later applications will be considered until all positions are filled. Please state that you are applying for a CIERA Postdoctoral Fellowship 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.
Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at Benefits: Human Resources – Northwestern University to learn more.
Image Credit: ESO/L. Calçada/spaceengine.org