Supernovae & Cosmology Postdoctoral Fellow

University of Hawaii System Office

5d • $5,981 - $6,416

About The Position

Supernovae & Cosmology Postdoctoral Fellow ID225747 Project Name IfA-Hilo Posted Date12/22/2025 Closing Date01/15/2026 FTE100.0% Compensation$5981.00-$6416.00/Month StateHawaii IslandHawaii Job Summary CLOSING DATE: January 15, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. Non-Regular, Full-Time, Limited Term (up to three (3) years in duration), RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Institute for Astronomy (IfA), located in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $5,981 - $6,416/Mon. DUTIES: Participates in projects related to cosmology and supernova physics. Works with the Hawai'i Supernova Flows team, which is a collaboration using optical-to-NIR data of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) to map structure in the local Universe. Works with the Roman Space Telescope Supernova Cosmology Project Infrastructure Team to prepare data analysis tools for Roman's high-latitude time-domain survey cosmology team. Works with the Blast web application to measure host-galaxy properties of supernovae. Duties include supernova data analysis, cosmological parameter inference, galaxy parameter inference, presentation of scientific findings, creating software tools for the broader astrophysics and supernova communities, and writing scientific publications and telescope or funding proposals. Participates in outreach activities for the Hawai'i island community, including work with high-school students via existing programs in Hawai'i such as Maunakea Scholars and Hawai'i Student/Teacher Astronomy Research (HI-STAR). Encouraged to pursue their own line of research within the fields of time-domain astronomy or cosmology at the IfA and collaborate broadly with IfA faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates. PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: PhD from an accredited college or university in Astrophysics, Astronomy, Physics, or related field. EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of experience in observational astronomy with a focus on supernovae. KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of supernova observations and cosmological parameter measurements. ABILITIES & SKILLS: Strong data analysis and programming skills. Ability and track record of writing scientific publications or proposals. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months. POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). INQUIRIES: Dr. David Jones [email protected] (Hawai‘i). APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) List of Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Unofficial or Official Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, please send additional documents to [email protected]. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call [phone] or [phone]. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUH's Benefits for eligible employees. RCUH's mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i. RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.

Requirements

• EDUCATION: PhD from an accredited college or university in Astrophysics, Astronomy, Physics, or related field.
• EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of experience in observational astronomy with a focus on supernovae.
• KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of supernova observations and cosmological parameter measurements.
• ABILITIES & SKILLS: Strong data analysis and programming skills.
• Ability and track record of writing scientific publications or proposals.
• Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.

Responsibilities

• Participates in projects related to cosmology and supernova physics.
• Works with the Hawai'i Supernova Flows team, which is a collaboration using optical-to-NIR data of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) to map structure in the local Universe.
• Works with the Roman Space Telescope Supernova Cosmology Project Infrastructure Team to prepare data analysis tools for Roman's high-latitude time-domain survey cosmology team.
• Works with the Blast web application to measure host-galaxy properties of supernovae.
• Duties include supernova data analysis, cosmological parameter inference, galaxy parameter inference, presentation of scientific findings, creating software tools for the broader astrophysics and supernova communities, and writing scientific publications and telescope or funding proposals.
• Participates in outreach activities for the Hawai'i island community, including work with high-school students via existing programs in Hawai'i such as Maunakea Scholars and Hawai'i Student/Teacher Astronomy Research (HI-STAR).
• Encouraged to pursue their own line of research within the fields of time-domain astronomy or cosmology at the IfA and collaborate broadly with IfA faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees