Research Associate in Astronomy

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville, Virginia, Evanston Township (VA, MN, IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to groundbreaking cosmic microwave background studies. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with leading experts on the Simons Observatory project, located in the stunning Atacama Desert. Ideal candidates will possess a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics and be eager to engage in instrumentation, observation, and data analysis. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, with the potential for renewal based on performance. If you're ready to advance your career in a dynamic research environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Research collaboration opportunities

Access to major telescopes

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or related field required by start date.
• Experience in instrumentation and data analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in cosmic microwave background studies.
• Collaborate with Prof. Bradley Johnson on Simons Observatory activities.

Skills

Instrumentation

Observation

Data Analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Astronomy

Ph.D. in Physics

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cosmic Microwave Background Studies

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in cosmic microwave background (CMB) studies. The successful candidate will work with Prof. Bradley Johnson on Simons Observatory activities. The Simons Observatory is a new CMB experiment located in the Atacama Desert in Chile. We are particularly interested in candidates who want to focus on research in instrumentation, observation, and low-level data analysis. Willingness to travel to Chile is preferred. The position is initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years based on performance. Review of applications begins on January 15th, 2025, and continues until the position is filled.

The successful candidate will join a department with expertise in experimental, theoretical, and observational astronomy, astrophysics, and astrochemistry. The department is a partner in the NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins (CosmicAI), and runs the Galaxy Evolution and Cosmology Initiative (GECO), the Virginia Institute for Theoretical Astronomy (VITA), the Virginia Initiative on Cosmic Origins (VICO), and the Virginia Astronomical Instrumentation Laboratory (VAIL). VAIL is currently developing instrumentation for the Simons Observatory. The department also has strong research ties with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), the North American ALMA Science Center, and the NRAO Central Development Laboratory. Additionally, it is a partner in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and has access to major telescopes including the Large Binocular Telescope, the MMT, Magellan telescopes, and Apache Point Observatory.

A competitive salary and benefits package is offered at UVA. For more information on benefits for postdoctoral associates, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related field by the start date.

Application Procedure:

Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and upload a single PDF including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, and a research statement (up to three pages, single-spaced, including figures and references). Applicants should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be uploaded directly to [Reference Link], named as "CandidateLastName_ReferenceLastName.pdf".

Application Deadline: Review begins on January 15, 2025, and the posting remains open until filled. Background checks are required prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment, renewable for additional years contingent on funding and performance.

Questions about the position should be directed to Prof. Bradley Johnson at [e-mail]. For application process inquiries, contact Rich Haverstrom at [e-mail].

For more information on UVA postdoctoral benefits, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

UVA is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or family medical or genetic information.