Job Description

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in cosmic microwave background (CMB) studies. The successful candidate will work with Prof. Bradley Johnson on Simons Observatory activities. Simons Observatory is a new CMB experiment in the Atacama Desert in Chile. We are particularly interested in applications from candidates who want to focus on research in instrumentation, observation, and low-level data analysis. Willingness to travel to the observatory in Chile is preferred. The position is initially for one year but can be renewed annually for up to two additional years given satisfactory performance. The review of applications is expected to begin on January 15th, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

The successful candidate will join a diverse department with expertise in experimental, theoretical, and observational astronomy, astrophysics, and astrochemistry. The Department is a partner in the new NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins (CosmicAI) and runs the Galaxy Evolution and Cosmology Initiative (GECO), the Virginia Institute for Theoretical Astronomy (VITA), the Virginia Initiative on Cosmic Origins (VICO), and the Virginia Astronomical Instrumentation Laboratory (VAIL). VAIL is currently developing instrumentation for Simons Observatory. The Department also has strong research ties with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and the North American ALMA Science Center, which are located on the grounds of the University of Virginia, and the NRAO Central Development Laboratory, which is located nearby in Charlottesville, VA. The Department is also a partner in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and has guaranteed access to the 2 x 8.4-m Large Binocular Telescope, the 6.5-m MMT, the two 6.5-m Magellan telescopes, and the Astrophysical Research Consortium telescopes at Apache Point Observatory.

A competitive salary and benefits package is offered at UVA. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit and

Qualification Requirements:

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related field by the appointment start date.

Compensation and Benefits
Currency
467
Included Benefits

Postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit and  .

Application Details Application Instructions
Apply online at and attach a single PDF document including a cover letter; curriculum vitae; list of publications; and research statement of no more than three pages describing the applicant’s past work (single-spaced, including figures and references).

Applicants should also arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be uploaded directly to to with this file name format

“CandidateLastName_ReferenceLastName.pdf”

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2025, and the posting will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for additional one-year terms, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

Questions about this position should be directed to Prof. Bradley Johnson ( bradley.johnson@virginia.edu ).

For questions regarding the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter ( rkh6j@virginia.edu ).

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit  postdoc.virginia.edu and  hr.virginia.edu/benefits

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.

Link to Online Application

Application Deadline
2025 Jan 30

Reference Code
R0067878

Inquiries
Name
Prof. Bradley Johnson
Email
bradley.johnson@virginia.edu

SO institutions are equal opportunity employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For additional information, contact jobs@simonsobservatory.org.

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