Research Associate in Astronomy

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. Simons Observatory is a new CMB experiment in the Atacama Desert in Chile. We are particularly interested in applications from candidates who want to focus on research in instrumentation, observation, and low-level data analysis. Willingness to travel to the observatory in Chile is preferred. The position is initially for one year but can be renewed annually for up to two additional years given satisfactory performance. The review of applications is expected to begin on January 15th, 2025, and will continue 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 new NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins ( CosmicAI) and runs the Galaxy Evolution and C osmology 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 Simons Observatory. The Department also has strong research ties with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and the North American ALMA Science Center , which are located on the grounds of the University of Virginia, and the NRAO Central Development Laboratory, which is located nearby in Charlottesville, VA. The Department is also a partner in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and has guaranteed access to the 2 x 8.4-m Large Binocular Telescope , the 6.5-m MMT , the two 6.5-m Magellan telescopes, and the Astrophysical Research Consortium telescopes at Apache Point Observatory .

A competitive salary and benefits package is offered at UVA. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit https://postdoc.virginia.edu and http://hr.virginia.edu/benefits .

Qualification Requirements:

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

Application Procedure:

Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach a single PDF document including a cover letter; curriculum vitae; list of publications; and research statement of no more than three pages describing the applicant’s past work (single-spaced, including figures and references).

Applicants should also arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be uploaded directly to [ Reference Link ] with this file name format

“CandidateLastName_ReferenceLastName.pdf”

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2025, and the posting will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for additional one-year terms, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

Questions about this position should be directed to Prof. Bradley Johnson ( bradley.johnson@virginia.edu ).

For questions regarding the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter ( rkh6j@virginia.edu ).

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

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