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

Position ID:

Northwestern-CIERA-POSTDOCOBSERVATION [#28247]

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Associate Positions in Observational Astronomy & Astrophysics

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

Evanston, Illinois 60201, United States of America

Subject Area:

Astrophysics / Observational

Appl Deadline:

2024/11/18 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2024/09/03, updated 2024/08/30, listed until 2024/12/31)

Position Description:

The Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern University invites applications for postdoctoral associate positions in observational astronomy and astrophysics starting in fall 2025.

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: https://ciera.northwestern.edu/programs/). Northwestern has institutional access to several mid- and large-scale optical/IR ground-based telescope facilities, including Keck, MMT, Magellan, 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 high-performance-computing resources, as well the services of a dedicated Computational Specialist (see https://ciera.northwestern.edu/high-performance-computing/ for more information).

Of particular interest this year are candidates to work with:

— Prof. Elena Murchikova on tackling big problems of supermassive black holes, their accretion and feedback, with a particular focus on Sagittarius A*. The research work in Lena’s group combines observations, hands on data analysis, pen-and-paper theory, and simulations, because solving complex problems requires approaching them from all possible sides.

— Prof. Jason Wang on the detection and characterization of directly imaged exoplanets from the ground and space using instruments such as the Roman Space Telescope Coronagraph Instrument, VLTI/GRAVITY, and Gemini/GPI2. They will lead and participate in various activities that could include instrument commissioning, observation planning, and scientific interpretation. They will also help develop open-source tools related to these goals.

— Prof. Allison Strom on galaxy formation and evolution in the intermediate- and high-redshift universe, specifically using observations of z~2-3 galaxies from the Keck Baryonic Structure Survey (KBSS) and a large z~1 galaxy survey that will be conducted with the Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS) on the Subaru Telescope beginning in mid-2024. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to lead the analysis and interpretation of novel datasets, plan and conduct follow-up observations, and develop new tools for studying galaxy chemistry. Applicants with previous experience in emission line spectroscopy, photoionization modeling, and/or data science are especially welcome.

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 18, 2024 will receive full consideration. Later applications will be considered until all positions are filled. Please state that you are applying for an Observational 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.

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 (https://www.northwestern.edu/about/mission-vision-goals.html), Northwestern’s Office of Equity (https://www.northwestern.edu/civil-rights-office/).

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

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

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