Research Associate in Astronomy

University of Virginia • Charlottesville, VA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Virginia invites applications for multiple Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in the interdisciplinary Interconnected Cosmos Initiative (ICI). The Initiative brings together Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Engineering (including Computer Science, Data Science, and Materials Science), and partners such as the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) to address questions in astrophysics, astrochemistry, planetary science, and cosmology.

Associates are expected to lead ambitious, cutting-edge research programs and develop an interdisciplinary research plan grounded in, and jointly supervised across, at least two UVA departments. Each associate will have two mentors whose primary appointments cross departments or institutions. Projects may be theoretical, observational, computational, or experimental, provided they leverage UVA’s and NRAO’s cross-departmental strengths. Applicants should identify potential mentors or indicate preferred departments, research areas, and/or partner institutions in their cover letter.

Associates will participate in departmental and Initiative-wide activities, including interdisciplinary workshops, seminars, and collaborations with national and international partners. They will have access to UVA high-performance research computing resources and telescope and instrumentation collaborations, and opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students. Professional development and networking opportunities are also available through the PhDPlus Program and UVA Postdoctoral Association.

Positions are based at UVA in Charlottesville and begin with an initial one-year appointment, with the expectation of annual renewal for up to three years, contingent on satisfactory performance and funding. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in astrophysics or a related discipline by the appointment start date. The salary is $70,000, with an annual research budget of $8,000 and $2,500 for relocation. The position is eligible for health insurance through the UVA Health Plan.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in astrophysics or a related discipline by the appointment start date.
• Proposed research must be grounded in, and jointly supervised across, at least two UVA departments.
• In the cover letter, identify potential primary and/or secondary mentors, or specify preferred departments, research areas, and/or partner institutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead an ambitious research program addressing cutting-edge problems in astronomy.
• Develop an interdisciplinary research plan grounded in and jointly supervised across at least two UVA departments.
• Participate in departmental and Initiative-wide activities, including interdisciplinary workshops, seminars, and collaborations with national and international partners.
• Use UVA high-performance research computing resources and telescope and instrumentation collaborations as relevant to the research program.
• Contribute to ICI’s training mission through opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Benefits

• Health insurance through the UVA Health Plan.
• Annual research budget of $8,000.
• $2,500 for relocation.
• Networking and professional development opportunities through the PhDPlus Program and UVA Postdoctoral Association.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree