Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern University invites applications for two postdoctoral associate positions in transient and gravitational wave astronomy starting in Fall 2025. Appointments will be for a two-year term, with the possibility to extend for a third year. The start dates are flexible. The following opportunities are available:
- Work with Profs. Charles Kilpatrick and Wen-fai Fong in multi-messenger astronomy. The candidate will lead aspects of TROVE, a new infrastructure-driven, large-scale effort in collaboration with the University of Arizona for analysis and coordination of counterparts to gravitational wave, neutrino, and high-energy particle events.
- Work with Prof. Wen-fai Fong in a broad range of transients including fast radio bursts, gamma-ray bursts, their rapid counterparts and/or host galaxies. The candidate will lead and engage in observations across the electromagnetic spectrum (including their reduction, analysis, and modeling) and participate in international collaborations.
Applicants with experience in time-domain or multi-messenger astronomy, software and web development, and/or observational data reduction and analysis techniques are encouraged to apply. Fong and Kilpatrick are members of the Fast and Fortunate Follow-up (F4), CHIME/FRB, and SAGUARO (GW) collaborations. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to become part of these collaborations.
As members of CIERA, 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: https://ciera.northwestern.edu/programs/). 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 Southern Sky Survey (LS4). Postdoctoral researchers can apply for nights through CIERA’s internal time allocation process.
CIERA is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community for everyone. Every person connected to CIERA is expected to uphold 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/civil-rights-office/policies-procedures/policies/
Compensation and Benefits
Included Benefits: http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html.