Research Associate in Astronomy

The University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Associate positions as part of the interdisciplinary Virginia Initiative on Cosmic Origins (VICO).

VICO Postdoctoral Research Associates are expected to lead ambitious, independent research programs related to Cosmic Origins science, that align with the wide range of research at UVA, as well as at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) on the grounds of the University. The relevant themes include planet formation and evolution, planetary science, exoplanetary science, astrochemistry, astrobiology and star formation from both theoretical and observational perspectives. See https://www.cosmicorigins.space/vico for more information.

The Postdoctoral Research Associates will participate in departmental activities and promote collaboration both within VICO and with its partner institutes, including Chalmers University of Technology. The successful candidate will also have access to the Astronomy Department's telescope resources, including the Large Binocular Telescope, the ARC 3.5-m Telescope at Apache Point Observatory, Magellan and MMT telescopes, as well as UVA's high-performance research computing facilities. There will be opportunities to advise undergraduate or graduate students.

There are two types of research programs being advertised: (1) Virginia Cosmic Origins Program; (2) Virginia-Chalmers Cosmic Origins Program. Applicants should indicate in their cover letter if they have preferences among these research programs.

All positions will start at UVA and are initially a one-year appointment, with renewal for an additional two one-year increments for the Virginia position, contingent upon satisfactory performance and available funding, and an additional three one-year increments for the Virginia-Chalmers position, contingent upon satisfactory performance and available funding.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or related disciplines by the appointment start date.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs . Attach as a single PDF document: a cover letter; curriculum vitae; list of publications; summary of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages, including references); research proposal (limited to 3 pages text plus up to 2 pages of references/figures).

Applicants should also arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be uploaded directly to https://virginia.app.box.com/f/da0879bba0c04681846b3a5fb820d1fe with the file name format “CandidateLastName_ReferenceLastName.pdf”.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please submit your application by December 15, 2024, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Yifan Zhou ( yzhou@virginia.edu ) or Ilse Cleeves ( lic3f@virginia.edu ). Additional points of contact for the VICO research program offerings are Cathy Dukes ( cdukes@virginia.edu ); Rob Garrod ( rg5qp@virginia.edu ); Eric Herbst ( eh2ef@virginia.edu ); Zhi-Yun Li ( zl4h@virginia.edu ); and Jonathan Tan ( jct6e@virginia.edu ).

For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu

A competitive salary and benefits package is offered at the University of Virginia. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit https://postdoc.virginia.edu and http://hr.virginia.edu/benefits. The positions also include travel funds and opportunities for dissemination, networking, and international collaboration.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to 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, and family medical or genetic information.