Research Associate in Astronomy

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia in Charlottesville invites applications for multiple Postdoctoral Research Associate positions within the Department of Astronomy, across the GECO, VITA and VICO initiatives.

Appointments begin as one-year terms with potential renewal for two additional one-year increments. A competitive salary and benefits package, access to UVA's telescope resources, and strong scholarly community support are included.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a related discipline by the appointment start date.

Responsibilities

• Research Associates will participate in departmental activities, mentor students, and promote wider collaboration.
• UVA is home to an active postdoctoral community, with opportunities for networking and professional development through the PhDPlus Program and the UVA Postdoctoral Association.

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a related discipline

Job description

The University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for multiple Postdoctoral Research Associate positions supported by several initiatives in the Department of Astronomy: the Galaxy Evolution and COsmology Initiative (GECO), the Virginia Institute for Theoretical Astronomy (VITA) and the Virginia Initiative on Cosmic Origins (VICO).

Research Initiatives

GECO research focuses broadly on galaxy evolution and cosmology. Relevant themes include, but are not limited to, resolved stellar populations, explosive nucleosynthesis in supernovae and transients, cosmic black hole evolution, near field cosmology, probing the dark universe through the large-scale structures and the cosmic microwave background, and galaxy formation and evolution, from both theoretical and observational perspectives. See https://astronomy.as.virginia.edu/galaxy-evolution-and-cosmology-initiative-geco for more information.

VITA research centers on theoretical and computational astrophysics. Candidates working on topics related to exoplanet and/or stellar astrophysics, including modelling of planetary and brown dwarf atmospheres, cloud formation, orbital dynamics and post-main sequence evolution, and stellar and binary interactions and explosions are particularly encouraged to apply. We also welcome strong applications across the wider range of VITA science, including astrochemistry, protoplanetary disks, star formation and evolution, high energy astrophysics, accretion disks, galaxy formation and evolution. See https://astronomy.as.virginia.edu/virginia-institute-theoretical-astronomy for more information.

VICO research focuses on programs in Cosmic Origins science. Relevant themes include planet formation and evolution, planetary science, exoplanetary science, astrochemistry, astrobiology, and star formation, from both theoretical and observational perspectives. See https://www.cosmicorigins.space/vico for more information.

Resources

Postdoctoral Research Associates will have access to the Astronomy Department's telescope resources, including the 2 x 8.4m Large Binocular Telescope, the 6.5m MMT, the 2 x 6.5m Magellan telescopes, and the Astrophysical Research Consortium telescopes at Apache Point Observatory, as well as UVA's high-performance research computing facilities. The Department is a partner in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, the LSST Discovery Alliance, Simons Observatory and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument. UVA astronomy faculty have strong research ties to the scientific staff at NRAO, which is located on the grounds of the University, and Research Associates will be part of a vibrant community of scientists drawn from both institutions.

Research Associates

Research Associates will participate in departmental activities, mentor students, and promote wider collaboration. UVA is home to an active postdoctoral community, with further opportunities for networking and professional development through the PhDPlus Program and the UVA Postdoctoral Association.

All positions are based in Charlottesville and begin as one-year appointments, renewable for two further one-year increments, contingent on satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered, along with a research budget to support equipment purchases, travel, networking, and collaboration.

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral research associates at UVA, visit https://postdoc.virginia.edu and https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

Qualification requirements

Applicants are required to hold a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a related discipline by the appointment start date.

Application deadline

Review of applications will begin on 1 December 2026; however, the positions will remain open until filled.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

The anticipated salary range is $68,000 - $70,000.

Inquiries

Additional information about the UVA Astronomy Department can be found at https://astronomy.as.virginia.edu/.

Questions About The Individual Programs May Be Directed To

GECO: Nitya Kallivayalil ([e-mail])

VITA: Shazrene Mohamed ([e-mail]), Phil Arras ([e-mail])

VICO: Yifan Zhou ([e-mail])

For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at [e-mail].

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.