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. We note that Northwestern has institutional access to several mid- and large-scale optical/IR ground-based telescope facilities, including Keck, MMT, Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO), 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.

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 the above 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: https://ciera.northwestern.edu/research/.

Fellowship appointments will be for a three-year term starting in September 2022. The annual stipend is $71,500 and the position comes with a competitive benefits package and a research budget of $15,000 per year.

Please submit applications electronically. 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 22nd, 2021 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 simultaneously apply for a Postdoctoral Associate Position in Theoretical or Observational Astrophysics at CIERA, submit a single copy of your application materials and specify all positions in your cover letter. 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 Leadership Commitment, 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.