SkAI Institute Postdoctoral Associate

SkAI Institute; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

SkAI Institute invites applications for SkAI Postdoctoral Associates. Appointments will be with one of the SkAI lead institutions and may involve time at the SkAI Hub in Chicago. The role offers a structured mentorship program, access to AI research resources, and collaboration across partner institutions.

Salary ranges from $70,000 to $78,000 annually with a two-year term and potential extension. Candidates from Northwestern, UChicago, or UIUC may apply, with housing and benefits through

Qualifications

• PhD in Astronomy, Physics, CS, EE, Statistics, or related fields.
• Applicants must complete PhD requirements prior to appointment.
• Experience engaging in cross-disciplinary AI/astro research is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Apply with cover letter, CV and a 3-page research statement.
• Identify potential faculty mentors from the SkAI website.
• Arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be uploaded.
• Highlight most impactful publications in the CV (1–3 papers).

Education

Astronomy PhD

Physics PhD

Computer Science PhD

Electrical Engineering PhD

Statistics PhD

Job description

NSF-Simons Foundation-funded National AI Institute for the Sky

Position ID:

SkAIInstitute-PDASSOCIATE [#32706]

Position Title:

NSF-Simons Foundation SkAI Institute Postdoctoral Associate

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States of America [ map ]

2026/12/01 04:59 AM UTC (posted 2026/09/15 04:00 AM UTC , listed until 2026/12/01 04:59 AM UTC )

Position Description

The NSF-Simons National AI Institute for the Sky (SkAI Institute) invites applications for SkAI Postdoctoral Associates. The SkAI Institute is bringing together astrophysics and AI researchers to advance both fields through cross-disciplinary collaboration and is serving as a nexus for the further development of a nationwide Astro-AI community. SkAI Postdoctoral Associates have the opportunity to work with SkAI faculty on specific research projects aligned with the Institute’s Astro-AI research mission. Associates will be employed by any of the three SkAI lead institutions (Northwestern University, The University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign [UIUC]) and may collaborate closely with SkAI personnel at any of the SkAI partner institutions depending on their expertise and active research projects. They also spend time at the SkAI Hub, which is located in the historic John Hancock Center in downtown Chicago, interacting with the broader SkAI community across SkAI’s institutional partners. Postdoctoral Associates will also benefit from a diverse, cross-disciplinary, and dynamic intellectual environment (including workshops, lecture series, conferences, retreats, and more), a structured mentorship program, training opportunities, access to computing resources at UIUC’s NCSA and Argonne National Laboratory suited for AI research and to collaborations with software engineers, and will have opportunities to collaborate with peers and mentor students from SkAI academic partners (including SkAI’s Satellite Network).

Compensation and Benefits

SkAI Postdoctoral Associate appointments will be for a two-year term, with the possibility to extend for a third year, starting in September 2027. The annual salary will depend on the experience of the candidate. SkAI Postdoctoral Associates will be employees of one of the SkAI lead institutions, with access to a highly competitive benefits package. Benefits for each institution may be found below:

Northwestern University: https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html

University of Chicago: https://clients.garnett-powers.com/pd/uchicago/

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits

Salary Range: $70,000-$78,000

Candidate Responsibilities and Requirements

Candidates with PhDs in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, or related fields are invited to apply. Note: Applicants must complete their Ph.D. requirements prior to appointment. Applications should include a cover letter (stating your interest in areas of SkAI research and identifying potential faculty mentors from the SkAI website people page), a CV (including a list of publications with the most important 1 to 3 publications indicated with an asterisk), a 3-page research statement highlighting research accomplishments and goals. Note that SkAI’s mission is to advance both astronomy and AI foundations. Applicants should also arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be uploaded to AJO. All questions should be sent by email to [e-mail]. Applications received by November 30, 2026, will receive full consideration. Later applications may be considered until all positions are filled.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern University, University of Chicago, and UIUC are Equal Opportunity, affirmative action employers of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

875 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60611