CIERA Postdoctoral Fellowship Positions in Astronomy & Astrophysics

About this position

• The Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in
• Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern University invites applications
• for CIERA Postdoctoral Fellowships.

• CIERA Fellows have the opportunity to pursue an independent research
• program and benefit from a diverse and dynamic intellectual
• environment (learn more about CIERA’s programs and activities).
• Candidates in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics are encouraged
• to apply. Northwestern has institutional access to several mid- and
• large-scale optical/IR ground-based telescope facilities, including
• Keck, MMT, SEDMv2, and Magellan, as well as the forthcoming La Silla
• Schmidt Southern Survey (LS4) and Giant Magellan Telescope.
• Postdoctoral researchers can apply for nights through CIERA’s internal
• time allocation process (see sites.northwestern.edu/cieraobserving for
• more information). CIERA researchers have exclusive access to two
• high-performance computer clusters and additional HPC resources,
• including high-memory nodes, are available through Northwestern’s
• Quest cluster (see ciera.northwestern.edu/high-performance-computing
• for more information). A dedicated Computational Specialist is also on
• staff to assist CIERA researchers.

• When appropriate, interdisciplinary connections are welcome (e.g., to
• computer science, applied math, planetary sciences, astrobiology,
• chemistry, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering). In
• addition to astrophysicists, we encourage applications from recent
• Ph.D. graduates in related fields who are interested in switching to
• astrophysics and/or applying their knowledge from another field to
• astrophysical problems. For current areas of research led by CIERA
• faculty, as well as research resources and facilities, see
• ciera.northwestern.edu/research.

• Fellowship appointments will be for a three-year term starting in
• September 2027. The expected salary range is $85,000-$90,000 and the
• position comes with a competitive benefits package and a research
• budget of $16,000 per year.

• Please submit applications electronically on Academic Jobs Online
• #32506. Applications should include a cover letter (stating your
• interest in and relevant experience/skills for the position), a CV
• (including a list of publications with the most important 1 to 3
• publications indicated with an asterisk), a three-page statement of
• research accomplishments and plans, and arrange for at least three
• letters of recommendation to be uploaded to Academic Jobs Online. All
• questions should be sent by email to CIERA-Jobs@northwestern.edu.
• Applications received by November 16, 2026, will receive full
• consideration. Later applications will be considered until all
• positions are filled. Please state that you are applying for a CIERA
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in your cover letter. If you wish to apply for
• other CIERA positions, submit a separate application per position
• applied. Applicants must complete their Ph.D. requirements prior to
• appointment.

• Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and
• competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position
• will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance;
• paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave;
• tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex
• spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous
• retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive
• overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit
• us at Benefits: Human Resources - Northwestern University to learn
• more.

• Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and
• services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and
• opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support
• flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you
• locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult
• care. Visit us at Caregiving Resources: Human Resources - Northwestern
• University to learn more.
• Professional Growth & Development: Northwestern supports employee
• career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on
• campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your
• professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a
• variety of tools and resources. Visit us at Talent Development: Human
• Resources - Northwestern University to learn more.
• Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not
• discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including
• disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination
• statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the
• application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil
• Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the
• accommodations process.

How to apply

1. Read the full advert on the source site — it carries the authoritative terms.
2. Email the contact below with your CV and a short, specific message. See Emailing Professors.
3. Prepare your SOP, CV, transcripts and referees before the deadline.
4. Apply through the university's own portal. Never pay a fee to a third party.