Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

We invite applications for the NOIRLab Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (1 position) an opportunity for outstanding postdoctoral scholars to carry out independent research broadly related to the mission of NOIRLab. The fellowship is also intended to help develop the next generation of science and technology innovators and leaders in ground-based Optical-Infrared (OIR) astronomy.

The Fellow will have the opportunity to explore and contribute to a wide range of activities within the broad NOIRLab portfolio. We encourage applications from early career scientists with interests in forefront OIR astronomy research, including but not limited to, innovative observational techniques, instrumentation, large data sets and data systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in astronomy, solar system science, and computation and theory. In parallel, fellows will also have the opportunity to engage in meaningful diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) activities.

During the Fellowship, the Fellow will spend most of their time on an independent research program of their choosing. Applicants are encouraged to propose research programs that connect with NOIRLab facilities and programs, to develop research collaborations with NOIRLab scientific staff, and to actively contribute to the research environment at NOIRLab. The Fellow will also have the opportunity to work with NOIRLab staff on activities related to the development and deployment of optical and/or infrared capabilities, techniques, data sets, and analysis tools, in order to, for example, advance their research program and interests. Research programs that build connections between NOIRLab and new research or user communities are of interest. We particularly welcome projects that connect with Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) early science.

Essential Functions:

• Work on self-directed research project.
• Write professional papers on results of research.
• Attend conferences to present recent results of research.
• During the first two years, up to 25% of the Fellow’s time will be dedicated to a cohesive DEI plan.  Potential DEI initiatives include:
• Mentoring students and conducting outreach to local schools and communities.
• Partnering with teachers in underserved areas.
• Developing or implementing data-focused educational resources.
• Exploring other creative avenues to promote DEI in the sciences.

Other Functions: 

• Other duties as assigned.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.  
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.

The position can be taken at any of the three NOIRLab sites, namely, Tucson (Arizona), Hilo (Hawai’i), or La Serena (Chile).

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, or a closely related field (or the expectation that they will receive the degree prior to starting their appointment).

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk; or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $72,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, experience and job location.

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by December 23, 2024.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/ 

At NOIRLab we are committed to diversity and inclusion; our managing organization, AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp

To Apply:

• Provide a cover letter with a summary description of career goals and reasons for interest in the fellowship.
• Copy of CV/Resume
• A statement summarizing (a) important research contributions, (b) a proposed program of research, and (c) proposed DEI activities at NOIRLab.  Please limit the statement to 4 pages.
• List of 3 professional references with contact information in your cover letter or add to the portal. References will be contacted at a later stage in the recruitment.
• Please submit all documents as PDF files, named with the following format: Lastname_Docname.pdf (where Docname is CoverLetter, CV, or Statement).

We welcome questions about the fellowship and application process. Please contact Kathy Vivas (kathy.vivas@noirlab.edu) or John Blakeslee (john.blakeslee@noirlab.edu).

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.