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Postdoctoral Associate Positions in Theoretical Astronomy & Astrophysics

Deadline: 11:59pm, November 15, 2023

** For applicants who are strongly affected by war or disaster, the deadline may be extended. The updated deadline for both applications and reference letters will be Thursday, November 30.  If you plan to submit your application during this grace period, please contact ciera-jobs@northwestern.edu ahead of time so that our selection committees can plan accordingly.

The Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern University invites applications for Postdoctoral Associate positions in theoretical astronomy and astrophysics.

All CIERA postdocs will benefit from 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 the forthcoming La Silla Southern Sky Survey (LS4) and SEDMv2 (an ultra-low resolution IFU spectrograph for transient classification). Postdoctoral researchers can apply for nights through CIERA’s internal time allocation process (see https://sites.northwestern.edu/cieraobserving/ for more information). CIERA researchers have exclusive access to two high-performance computer clusters, providing access to 2,644 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.

For current areas of research led by CIERA faculty, as well as research resources and facilities, see: https://ciera.northwestern.edu/research/.

Of particular interest this year are candidates who will work with:

  • Prof. Claude-André Faucher-Giguère on galaxy formation modeling (including cosmological simulations, star formation and stellar feedback, supermassive black hole growth and feedback, and IGM/CGM/ICM)
  • Prof. Lena Murchikova on theory, computations and observations of multiphase gas accretion onto supermassive black holes.
  • Prof. Sasha Tchekhovskoy on modeling compact object accretion and ejection in a wide range of astrophysical contexts (including compact object mergers, magnetic stellar explosions, gamma-ray bursts, X-ray binaries, ultra-luminous X-ray sources, tidal disruptions, and active galactic nuclei).
  •  Prof. Fred Rasio on the modeling of dense star clusters (globular clusters, galactic nuclei), and, in particular, the dynamical formation of GW sources, X-ray binaries, and binary pulsars.

Please submit applications electronically to Academic Jobs Online (Job IDs 25516) . 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 15, 2023 will receive full consideration. Later applications will be considered until all positions are filled.

Please state the position in which you are applying in your cover letter (CIERA Postdoctoral Fellowship; or CIERA Theoretical Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Associate; or CIERA Observational Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Associate). 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.

CIERA is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community for everyone. Every person connected to CIERA, including its visitors, upholds our shared values by seeking diverse perspectives and deliberately working to increase access and equity of people from marginalized groups. We recognize that true excellence only comes from the meaningful integration of all perspectives in our community and culture. CIERA also participates with University-wide diversity & inclusion efforts: Northwestern’s Mission and Vision, Northwestern’s Office of Equity.

Northwestern University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and does not discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected class. Individuals from all diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.  For more information, please see the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment at https://www.northwestern.edu/equity/documents/discrimination-harassment-policy-resources-procedures-final.pdf

Included Benefits: http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html.

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Image credit: Sakkmesterke/Science