Position Description

Applicants are invited for two postdoctoral research positions corresponding to two separate projects at the University of Iowa’s Department of Physics & Astronomy to work with Assistant Professor David M. Nataf. 

Review of applications will begin on January 15^th, 2025, and will continue until the positions are filled.

The first project, for which one postdoctoral fellow will devote approximately two thirds of their research effort with the remaining time being for their own self-directed projects, will be an investigation of the interstellar extinction toward the inner Milky Way, in preparation for the Galactic Bulge Time Domain Survey on NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Applicants with experience in each of interstellar dust mapping, stellar population studies, and probabilistic inference are particularly encouraged to apply.

The second project will be two thirds self-directed by the postdoctoral fellow, so as to help advance the research efforts in resolved stellar population studies at the University of Iowa. Applicants with experience in data reduction and analysis (photometric or spectroscopic), probabilistic inference, time-domain observations, and the extragalactic distance scale are particularly encouraged to apply.  Strong consideration will be given to applications demonstrating a track record of success in areas of interest such as interstellar extinction; star-formation histories; RR Lyrae, Cepheid, and Mira variables; observations from space-based observatories such as the James Webb Space Telescope; and galaxy formation models. With the remaining one third of time, the postdoc will assist Assistant Professor Nataf and/or graduate students in his group on projects related to space-based observations.

Candidates should have completed all requirements for a PhD in Astronomy or a closely related field by the start date, nominally September 2025. The two postdoctoral fellows will be encouraged to collaborate with each other, to assist in the mentorship and training of graduate students, and be invited to be the primary mentors to talented undergraduate students. The positions are for two years, with a possible renewal for a third year, depending on performance and availability of funding.

The two postdoctoral fellows will be encouraged to collaborate with each other, to assist in the mentorship and training of graduate students, and be invited to be the primary mentors to talented undergraduate students. The positions are for two years, with a possible renewal for a third year, depending on performance and availability of funding.

Candidates must submit a cover letter, CV (including publication history), research statement, and up to 3 letters of reference. Interested candidates are invited to contact david-nataf@uiowa.edu to ask questions.

The University of Iowa, located in Iowa City, Iowa, offers an excellent benefit package (including comprehensive healthcare), competitive salaries, and a stimulating work environment. Generous benefits include health, dental, and retirement benefits and are more fully described here: https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits/ui-student-insurance/postdoctoral-scholars-fellows-benefits.

A relocation incentive of up to $3,000 (taxed like regular salary and paid as special compensation within the first two months of employment) may be available for finalists relocating to Iowa City from more than 50 miles away.

Education Requirement: The individual hired must have completed requirements for a PhD in Astronomy or closely related field by the start date, nominally September 2025. 

Required Qualifications: Interest and research experience in stellar and/or galactic astrophysics. 

Online Application Required Documents: Curriculum Vita, Name and Contact Information of References, Letters of Interest, Research Statement, Number of References: 3