Postdoctoral Researcher in Astrophysics

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Villanova (Delaware County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Delaware County seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher in Astrophysics. Responsibilities include leading data analysis for HAWC+ and producing maps from SOFIA data. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy and have experience in astrophysical data analysis. The position is grant-funded for two years with a possible extension. This is a full-time faculty position, offering a competitive salary in a collaborative research environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required by start date.
• Experience in relevant astrophysical data analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the reduction and analysis of archival data from HAWC+.
• Produce large polarimetric maps from SOFIA data.

Skills

Data analysis for astrophysical observations

High Angular Resolution Wide-Field Imager+

Polarimetry

Education

Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Astrophysics

To view the position details and/or apply to a position, click on the View Details link below the Job Title. If you have questions about the application process, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.

Posting Details

Posting Details (Default Section) Posting Number: 20251282F Position Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Astrophysics Position Type: Faculty Location: Villanova, PA Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants Work Schedule: full-time/12-months Department: 186-Physics

The Department of Physics at Villanova University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research position focused on far-infrared data analysis with Prof. David Chuss. This is a grant-funded position and is subject to continuing based on the availability of funding. The work will focus on the production of large polarimetric maps from the SOFIA data. The position is planned for two years, with a possible extension for a third year.

Professor Chuss’ group is engaged in several research projects relating to instrumentation and data analysis for astrophysical polarimetry in the far-infrared through microwave part of the spectrum including the Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS) and HAWC+/SOFIA.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will take a leadership role in the reduction, analysis and scientific interpretation of archival data from the High Angular Resolution Wide-Field Imager+ (HAWC+), which operated on SOFIA (NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy). The work will focus on the production of large polarimetric maps from the SOFIA data.

Minimum Qualifications

The applicant should have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or related field by the anticipated start date. (ASAP)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in data analysis for astrophysical observations.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

Special Message to Applicants: The position is planned for two years, with a possible extension for a third year.

To apply, please submit a CV including a publication list. Applications should include contact information for two references who will be contacted by email to submit a confidential letter of recommendation when the application is submitted.

Posting Date

Posting Date: 10/16/2025

Closing Date (11:59pm ET): Salary Posting Information: Competitive Salary Band: Job Classification: faculty

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed 2 Maximum Number of References Needed 2

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Documents needed to complete your application

Required Documents

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
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Optional Documents

• Statement of Research Interests
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