Postdoctoral Associate Positions in Theoretical Astronomy & Astrophysics

About this position

• The Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics
• (CIERA) at Northwestern University invites applications for
• postdoctoral associate positions in theoretical astronomy and
• astrophysics starting in fall 2027.
• These positions will be part of the Center for Interdisciplinary
• Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern.
• Successful applicants will benefit from interaction with a broad
• interdisciplinary group of researchers and will be immersed in a
• diverse and dynamic intellectual environment (learn more about CIERA’s
• programs and activities). CIERA researchers have exclusive access to
• two high-performance computing (HPC) allocations, as well as
• additional resources available through Northwestern’s Quest cluster,
• including GPU and high-memory nodes (see
• ciera.northwestern.edu/high-performance-computing for more
• information). A dedicated Computational Specialist is also on staff to
• assist CIERA researchers.
• Of particular interest this year are candidates who will work with:

• Prof. Vicky Kalogera on any sub-area of gravitational-wave data analysis, stellar and compact-object astrophysics, including stellar structure and evolution and interacting binary evolution; technical expertise in statistics, mathematical/numerical analysis, and machine learning are also of interest.

• Prof. Yoram Lithwick on the theory of protoplanetary disks (and accretion disks in general).

• Please submit applications electronically at Academic Jobs Online
• #32507. 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. Note
• that it is highly encouraged to customize your application for the
• specific faculty you would like to work with. All questions should be
• sent by email to CIERA-Jobs@northwestern.edu. Applications received by
• December 15, 2026, will receive full consideration. Later applications
• will be considered until all positions are filled. Please state that
• you are applying for a Theoretical Astronomy & Astrophysics
• Postdoctoral Associate position 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.