Impacted Members/Scientists: Request a membership waiver, seek meeting support, and other resources. Learn more. For the latest public policy updates, please visit this page.
Postdoctoral Scholar Roman GBTDS
Job Summary
Columbus, OH
United States
Job Description
The Department of Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University invites applications for several postdoctoral research positions focused on the development and exploitation of science programs enabled by NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Galactic Bulge Time Domain Survey (Roman GBTDS). The department has a substantial institutional presence within the Roman Space Telescope program, including major participation in two Project Infrastructure Teams and two Wide Field Science Teams. Successful candidates will contribute to Roman Galactic Exoplanet Survey (RGES) science through the development of gravitational microlensing theory, analysis of Roman commissioning and early GBTDS data, support for event-analysis and planet occurrence-rate pipelines, and the publication of scientific results based on Roman exoplanet data. Responsibilities will also include contributing to conference presentations and collaborating closely with members of the Roman science community. In addition, successful applicants will be expected to contribute positively to the department's research environment and mentor junior researchers within both the immediate research group and the broader astronomy department.
Qualifications: Doctoral degree in Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field by the time of hire. Candidates should have strong scientific programming skills using modern languages such as Python or C++. Expertise in statistical analysis, machine learning, and data-driven modeling applied to large astronomical datasets and time-domain surveys is highly desirable. Although experience with microlensing and transit exoplanet searches is advantageous, applicants with demonstrated expertise in time-domain astronomy, gravitational lensing, large-scale Galactic surveys, or synthetic Milky Way population modeling are also strongly encouraged to apply.
The Ohio State Department of Astronomy offers a vibrant scientific environment with access to a one-sixth observing share of the Large Binocular Telescope, a one-quarter share of MDM Observatory, membership in all SDSS-IV and SDSS-V projects, and substantial institutional participation in DES, DESI, and ASAS-SN. Additional information about the department, its faculty, and research programs is available at https://astronomy.osu.edu/.
Compensation and Benefits
The Ohio State University Benefits: https://hr.osu.edu/benefits/
The appointments will begin in Fall 2026 or earlier and run for two years with extension to a third year possible based on performance and availability of funds. The target hiring range is$65,000-$70,000. The actual salary will fall within this range based on internal equity, the candidate's qualifications, and available funding.
Application Details
1. A cover letter which includes a motivation for applying for the position, and the names, institutions, and email addresses of at least three individuals who can provide recommendation letters upon request.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. A list of research publications (either separately or as part of the CV).
4. A brief description (3 pages maximum) of past and proposed future research.
We strongly prefer that these be provided as a single PDF document with the elements given in the order listed above. Application materials must be submitted via the following URL: https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Postdoctoral-Scholar_R155249-1
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Applying before September 1, 2026 is strongly recommended.
To build a strong workforce Ohio State encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status. Flexible work options are available. Ohio States is an EEO/AA employer, and an NSF Advance Institution.
Appointment is contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and university policy, including, but not limited to, a criminal background check.