Postdoctoral Employee - Department of Astronomy

Inside Higher Ed; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent education research organization is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research on nearby galaxies using data from top astronomical facilities. The ideal candidate will analyze and publish research findings and engage in high-impact projects. Applicants should possess a PhD or equivalent degree and have strong research skills. This role offers opportunities for independent research and contributions to significant astronomical surveys. The salary range for this position is estimated between $75,000 and $80,000.

Qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent international degree is required by the start date.
• No more than three years of post-PhD research experience.
• Experience in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or related fields preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reduce and analyze observations of nearby galaxies.
• Lead publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Design and implement new observing programs.
• Present at professional conferences.

Skills

Research in nearby galaxies

Data analysis from telescopes

Publication in peer-reviewed journals

Conference presentation skills

Education

PhD or equivalent international degree

Tools

Hubble Space Telescope

James Webb Space Telescope

Keck Observatory

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar

Salary range: The UC postdoc salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level at appointment. See the following table for the current salary scale for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-oct-2025-scales/t23.pdf A reasonable estimate for this position is $75,000-$80,000.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: August 2026

Position duration: The initial appointment is for two years with the possibility of an extension based on performance and the availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: October 15, 2025

Most recent review date: Monday, Dec 15, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Monday, Mar 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

The Department of Astronomy at UC Berkeley is seeking up to two highly motivated individuals to carry out postdoctoral research on nearby galaxies using data from a variety of facilities such as the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Euclid, Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), and Keck, and may share overlap with science related to the Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX) in collaboration with Prof. Daniel Weisz and members of his research group. The successful applicant(s) will have the opportunity to lead high impact projects and papers in major programs such as JWST and HST surveys of Local Group galaxies (including M31 and dwarf galaxies), a JWST treasury program targeting the Virgo Cluster, and a Euclid survey of Local Volume targets. A portion of each position also provides the ability to pursue independent research.

Weisz's research group is located in the Astronomy Department at UC Berkeley. The group consists of a research staff, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students broadly studying the stellar populations of nearby galaxies with a variety of cutting edge facilities (e.g., HST, JWST, Keck). The group interfaces with various research programs at Berkeley (e.g., DESI, UVEX) and works closely with simulators and theorists to interpret results.

The Successful Applicant Will

• Be responsible for the reduction and/or analysis of observations of nearby galaxies acquired with facilities such as HST, JWST, Keck.
• Lead first and co-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Help to design, plan, and implement new observing programs.
• Attend professional topical conferences and give presentations (e.g., talks, posters).

Union: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/postdoctoral-scholars/contract/

Lab: https://dweisz.github.io/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A PhD or equivalent international degree or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program.

Additional Qualifications (required At Time Of Start)

A PhD or equivalent international degree is required by the start date. The candidate should have no more than three years of post PhD research experience.

Preferred Qualifications

A PhD degree or equivalent international degree in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a related field. Experience is particularly desired in areas including resolved stellar populations, local galaxies, stellar photometry, semi-resolved stellar populations (e.g., surface brightness fluctuations), and/or stellar evolution, though broader background in adjacent fields (e.g., galaxy evolution, large surveys) is also of interest.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement - Include past and current research as well as an explanation for their interest in the position (up to 3 pages).
• Publication list

Reference Requirements

• 3 letters of reference required

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05188

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Berkeley, CA

To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05188

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