Job Details

Research Associate in Astronomy

🏛️ University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA 📍 USA 🗓️ Posted Dec 09, 2025 ⏳ Due Nov 26, 2026
Astronomy and Astrophysics

Description

Position Type: Full-Time, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Posted: November 26, 2025
Application Review Begins: December 22, 2025
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Department: Interconnected Cosmos Initiative (ICI), University of Virginia
Location: Charlottesville, VA, USA
Appointment Length: Initial 1-year term, renewable up to 3 years, contingent on performance and funding
FLSA Status: Exempt
Hours: Full-time
Benefits: Health insurance through UVA Health Plan; additional postdoctoral benefits available

About the University of Virginia and the Interconnected Cosmos Initiative

The University of Virginia (UVA) is a leading public research university with a vibrant postdoctoral community. The Interconnected Cosmos Initiative (ICI) is a cross-disciplinary program combining Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Engineering (including Computer Science, Data Science, and Materials Science), and external partners such as the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). ICI tackles major challenges in modern astrophysics, astrochemistry, planetary science, and cosmology.

Postdoctoral Research Associates (PRAs) will participate in workshops, seminars, and collaborations with national and international partners, and have access to UVA’s high-performance computing resources and telescope/instrumentation facilities. PRAs may also mentor graduate and undergraduate students as part of ICI’s broader training mission.

Position Summary

The University of Virginia invites applications for multiple Postdoctoral Research Associate positions. PRAs are expected to lead ambitious, interdisciplinary research programs addressing cutting-edge problems in astronomy.

  • Applicants must articulate a research plan that is grounded in at least two UVA departments.

  • Each PRA will have a dual-mentor model, with primary appointments across departments or partner institutions (e.g., Astronomy + Physics, Astronomy + Computer Science, or UVA + NRAO).

  • Projects may be theoretical, observational, computational, or experimental, leveraging UVA and NRAO strengths.

Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Astrophysics or a related discipline by the appointment start date.

  • Strong research potential and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute interdisciplinary research projects with dual mentors.

  • Participate in departmental and Initiative-wide activities.

  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

  • Contribute to workshops, seminars, and national/international collaborations.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit a single compiled PDF including:

  1. Cover Letter

  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  3. List of Publications

  4. Summary of previous and current research (max 3 pages, including references)

  5. Research Proposal (max 3 pages of text + up to 2 pages of references/figures)

Letters of Recommendation: Three letters must be submitted via the UVA Box portal using the file name format: CandidateLastName_ReferenceLastName_ICI.pdf.

Apply Online: UVA Careers Portal

Contacts:

Physical Demands and Work Environment

  • Academic/research environment with laboratory, office, and computational work.

  • Opportunities for mentoring students and attending collaborative events.

  • Reasonable accommodations provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity

UVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals, including veterans and persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. UVA prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Learn more: UVA Non-Discrimination Policy

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