CIERA Postdoctoral Fellowship Positions in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Full Time/Postdoctoral
Education
7 Sep 2025
Evanston
Verified by Turrior
Content + Source + Freshness • 13 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
88 / 100
Offer value
High value due to access to premier research facilities, competitive salary, and opportunities for interdisciplinary connections.
- Access to premier telescopes and research facilities.
- Strong support for interdisciplinary research.
- Competitive salary of $80,000-$83,000.
- Requires PhD prior to start date.
Pros
- Access to major telescope facilities and high-performance computing resources.
- Dynamic research environment with potential interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Competitive salary of $80,000-$83,000 plus significant research budget.
Cons
- Requires a completed PhD prior to appointment, which may limit immediate candidates.
- Highly competitive application process due to prestige of the institution.
- Position does not provide teaching opportunities.
Who it's for
Postdoctoral • On-site/full-time
Good fit
- Recent PhD graduates in astrophysics or related fields.
- Researchers eager for independent research opportunities.
- Candidates with interdisciplinary skill sets.
Not recommended for
- Individuals without a relevant doctoral degree.
- Those seeking a teaching-focused position.
- Candidates preferring theoretical work with minimal experimental involvement.
Motivation fit
Desire to engage in independent research and exploration in astrophysics.Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and application of diverse skills.Motivated by access to cutting-edge technology and large-scale observational programs.
Key skills
Astrophysics expertiseData analysis and interpretationResearch planning and executionCollaboration and interdisciplinary communication
Score: 88/100 AI verified analysis
About the job
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 CIERAâs programs and activities). Candidates in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics are encouraged to apply. 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 CIERAâs 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 Northwesternâs Quest cluster (see 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 related 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 ciera.northwestern.edu/research.
Fellowship appointments will be for a three-year term starting in September 2026. The expected salary range is $80,000-$83,000 and the position comes with a competitive benefits package and a research budget of $15,000 per year.
Please submit applications electronically on Academic Jobs Online #30470. 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 21, 2025, 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 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 lifeâs 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 youâre 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 Northwesternâs non-discrimination statement.
