Northwestern University, CIERA - Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics

Position ID:

Northwestern-CIERA-2025ASSOCIATES [#30492]

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Associate Positions in Observational and Theoretical Astronomy & Astrophysics

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

Evanston, Illinois 60201, United States of America

Subject Areas:

Astrophysics / Astronomy, Astrophysics, Black holes, Numerical Simulations, Observational, Theoretical Astrophysics, Time-Domain

Appl Deadline:

2025/12/15 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2025/09/07, updated 2025/09/03, listed until 2026/02/09)

Position Description:

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. 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. 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 on Academic Jobs Online #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 an 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.

Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

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.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Cover letter
Curriculum Vitae
Research statement
Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site )

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:

http://ciera.northwestern.edu/

CIERA
Northwestern University
1800 Sherman Avenue
Floor 8
Evanston, IL 60201