Research Associate in Astronomy

Postdoctoral Researcher in Observational Cosmology

The Astronomy Department at the University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate to join the Virginia Cosmology Group and work with Prof. Satya Gontcho A Gontcho.

The successful candidate will lead a research program in observational cosmology, making use of one or more of the following surveys: the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), Simons Observatory (SO), the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). We are also interested in candidates who will apply Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning techniques to problems in Cosmology.

The UVA Astronomy Department is a partner in the new NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins (CosmicAI, https://www.cosmicai.org/ ), the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, the LSST Discovery Alliance and is a Member Institution of Simons Observatory. The accepted candidate will have access to the Department’s telescope resources, including the 2 x 8.4m Large Binocular Telescope, the 6.5m MMT, the 2 x 6.5m Magellan telescopes, the Astrophysical Research Consortium telescopes at Apache Point Observatory, as well as UVA’s high-performance research computing facilities. The UVA astronomy faculty have strong research ties to the scientific staff at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), which is located on the grounds of the University. The accepted candidate will thus be part of a vibrant community of scientists from both UVA and NRAO.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in Astronomy, Physics, or related fields by the start date. Research experience in observational cosmology, specifically galaxy clustering and CMB (lensing and/or secondaries) is preferred.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and search for R0074937. Attach a cover letter (1-page limit), a curriculum vitae, a publication list and a research statement addressing plans for future research and giving a summary of past and current research (3-pages limit).

Applicants should also arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be uploaded directly to

https://virginia.app.box.com/f/2eb1191ee2d243628ebce1906148b4a9 for their applications to be considered complete. The required file name format is “CandidateLastName_ReferenceLastName.pdf”

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be submitted by December 1, 2025 for full consideration. The position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

As per UVA policy, this is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for additional one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance. The expectation from the Virginia Cosmology Group is for the successful candidate to stay for a minimum of two years. The nominal start date is summer/fall 2026.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Satya Gontcho A Gontcho, Assistant Professor, at bwt9dy@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 UVA. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit https://postdoc.virginia.edu and http://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.