Joint CUNY - Center for Computational Astrophysics Visiting Scholar

Simons Foundation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Simons Foundation is offering a 3-year Visiting Scholar position at the Center for Computational Astrophysics in New York City. The role requires collaboration with the CUNY Graduate Center and focuses on leading a research program in computational astrophysics. Candidates must possess a Ph.D. and at least 1 year of postgraduate research experience. The position offers a salary of $70,000 annually, alongside a faculty salary from CUNY. A commitment to diversity and an inclusive work environment is emphasized.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of postgraduate research experience in astrophysics with related interests.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior scientists.
• Alignment with CCA mission statement.

Responsibilities

• Lead a research program focused on computational astrophysics.
• Collaborate and mentor postdoctoral fellows and students.
• Organize community workshops and interactions.

Skills

Postgraduate research experience in astrophysics

Collaborative skills

Mentoring and supervising skills

Education

Ph.D. degree in a related field

Job description

The Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA) is advertising a 3‑year Visiting Scholar position jointly with the CUNY Graduate Center. The position requires 50 % time at the Flatiron Institute in New York City and 50 % time at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City. After the 3‑year term, the successful candidate is expected to transition to a full‑time faculty position at the CUNY Graduate Center.

Mission Statement

• Solve important, hard problems in computational astrophysics.
• Focus on problems that Flatiron is uniquely positioned to solve.
• Invent and propagate better data‑analysis practices, analytical methods, and computational methods for the global astrophysics community with a focus on rigor.
• Develop, maintain, and contribute to open‑source software packages, open data, and their communities.
• Create and support a community of astrophysics doers, learners, and mentors in New York City and beyond.
• Train and launch diverse early‑career researchers in astrophysics with unique capabilities in computation methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead a vigorous research program.
• Collaborate with and mentor the CCA’s postdoctoral Flatiron Research Fellows and students from the CUNY Masters in Astrophysics.
• Foster interactions with the broader community (in NYC and beyond) through organizing meetings and workshops.
• Build intellectual connections across CCA and the Flatiron Institute and beyond.
• Capitalize on the unique opportunities available at the CCA to further the field of computational astrophysics and/or data analysis, including open‑source projects and data releases.
• Lead a research program with broad and significant impact.
• Mentor independent postdoctoral fellows and CUNY Masters in Astrophysics candidates.
• Contribute to the scientific strategy, management, and organization of the CCA.
• Foster scientific communities within CCA, Flatiron, NYC, and beyond.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in a related field.
• 1 or more years of postgraduate research experience in astrophysics, with research interests and/or skills that overlap or enhance CCA‑relevant interests, broadly defined.
• Sufficient breadth and flexibility to collaborate broadly within the CCA and especially with its independent postdoctoral fellows.
• Evidence for scientific impact, assessed in appropriate ways for stage of career and methodology.
• Demonstrated ability and interest in supervising, mentoring, and collaborating with junior scientists from a variety of backgrounds.
• Alignment with multiple aspects of the CCA mission statement.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual compensation range for this 0.5 Full‑time Equivalent position is $70,000 in addition to the CUNY Graduate Center faculty salary.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit applications to both CUNY and CCA. The same application can be used for the faculty position at CUNY and the Visiting Scholar position at CCA. Applicants are encouraged to comment on synergies with CCA in their cover letter for the Flatiron application.

• CV
• Cover letter
• Research statement outlining past research accomplishments and a vision for scientific research
• Teaching and mentorship philosophy statement for graduate education
• Contact information for three professional references (name, title, institution, email address)

The Simons Foundation’s Diversity Commitment

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.