Postdoctoral Associate Positions in Observational and Theoretical 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
Exceptional value due to Northwestern's resources, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities for impactful research in astrophysics.
- Research excellence at a leading institution
- Access to advanced telescopes and HPC resources
- Emphasis on collaborative research
- Encouragement for interdisciplinary connections
Pros
- Access to advanced research facilities and telescopes
- Supportive interdisciplinary research environment
- Strong focus on collaboration and professional development
Cons
- High competition for positions within high-caliber institutions
- Demands for research performance may be significant
- Possible challenges in work-life balance due to research commitments
Who it's for
Early Career / Postdoctoral • On-site in Evanston, IL
Good fit
- Astrophysics PhD graduates
- Researchers passionate about observational astronomy
- Individuals excited about interdisciplinary research opportunities
Not recommended for
- Candidates lacking relevant academic qualifications
- Those seeking roles outside of astrophysics
- Individuals not interested in collaborative environments
Motivation fit
Desire to contribute to impactful astrophysics researchInterest in utilizing advanced observational technologiesEngagement with diverse, interdisciplinary teams
Key skills
Advanced observational techniquesData analysis and interpretationCollaboration in research settings
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 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 CIERAâs 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 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.
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 Observatoryâs 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 Wayâs 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 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.
