Research Associate in Astronomy

The University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position as part of the Galaxy Evolution and COsmology (GECO) Initiative.

GECO Fellows will lead ambitious, independent research programs related to galaxy evolution and cosmology, expected to align with the wide range of research at UVA. The relevant themes include resolved stellar populations, near-field cosmology, the dark universe, and galaxy formation and evolution, from both theoretical and observational perspectives. The successful candidate will have access to the Astronomy 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 Departmentis a partner in the newNSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins (CosmicAI), the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and the LSST Discovery Alliance.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. Fellows will thus be part of a vibrant community of scientists from both UVA and NRAO.

GECO Fellows will participate in departmental activities, mentorship of students, and promote wider collaboration. All positions are initially one-year appointments, with renewal for an additional two one-year increments, contingent upon satisfactory performance. 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. This position also includes a research budget to be used to support equipment purchases, travel, networking and collaboration opportunities.

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

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach a single PDF document including a cover letter; curriculum vitae; list of publications; and research statement of no more than three pages (including figures and references) describing the applicant's past work, proposed research program, and potential synergies with the GECO themes listed above.

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

https://virginia.app.box.com/f/98344fa27dd546a7ac29d13296f554e7 with the file name format

"CandidateLastName_ReferenceLastName.pdf".

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2024, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Questions regarding these positions can be directed to Nitya Kallivayalil (njk3r@virginia.edu), Paul Torrey (ygn5rz@virginia.edu), and Aaron Evans (ae3f@virginia.edu).

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

The University of Virginia, including 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.