Postdoctoral Positions in Time-Domain Astronomy and Resolved Stellar Populations

About this position

• The Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in
• Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern University invites applications
• for two postdoctoral associate positions in transient astronomy
• starting in Fall 2027. Appointments will be for a two-year term, with
• the possibility to extend for a third year. The opportunities are to
• work with:

• Prof. Charles Kilpatrick on resolved massive stars and supernova progenitors. The candidate will contribute to HST Treasury imaging of nearby galaxies, Roman surveys of stellar populations, JWST programs resolving massive stars in star-forming environments, and will collaborate with time-domain partners on Rubin/LSST overlap science and with international supernova collaborations.

• Profs. Tarraneh Eftekhari and Wen-fai Fong in support of the Fast and Fortunate for FRB Follow-up (F4) Team on studies of fast radio bursts, their host galaxies and multi-wavelength counterparts. The candidate will lead observations across the electromagnetic spectrum, including data reduction, analysis, and modeling, while engaging in international collaborations. F4 performs follow-up observations in partnership with major FRB discovery experiments and includes researchers at Northwestern, the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Cal Poly Humboldt, including Professors J. Xavier Prochaska and Regina Jorgenson.

• Applicants with observational experience, pipeline development for
• NASA imaging, and/or other reduction and analysis techniques are
• encouraged to apply. Fong and Eftekhari are members of the F4, CRAFT
• and CHIME/FRB collaborations. Kilpatrick is a member of the Young
• Supernova Experiment (YSE) and the La Silla Southern Schmidt Survey
• (LS4). Successful candidates will have the opportunity to become part
• of these efforts.

• As members of CIERA, successful applicants will benefit from
• interaction with a broad interdisciplinary group of researchers and
• will be immersed in a diverse and dynamic intellectual environment (https://ciera.northwestern.edu/programs/).
• Northwestern has institutional access to several mid- and large-scale
• optical/IR ground-based telescope facilities, including Keck, MMT, and
• Magellan. Postdoctoral researchers can apply for nights through
• CIERA’s internal time allocation process.

• Please submit applications electronically (AJO Job ID 32643).
• Applications should include a cover letter (stating your interest in
• and relevant experience/skills for the position(s)), CV, statement of
• research accomplishments and plans (up to 5 pp), and arrange for at
• least three letters of recommendation to be uploaded to AJO. In your
• cover letter, please state that you are applying for a Time-Domain
• Astronomy Postdoctoral Associate position, and which of the positions
• (Kilpatrick, Fong/Eftekhari) you are interested in. All questions
• should be sent by email to CIERA-Jobs@northwestern.edu. Applications
• received by December 18, 2026, will receive full consideration. 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.