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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Stellar and/or Extragalactic Astronomy
Job Summary
Category
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution
University of Utah
Department
Physics & Astronomy
Number of Positions Available
1
Work Arrangement
In-Person
In-Person Location(s)
Salt Lake City, UT
United States
Job Description
The Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Utah invites applications for a postdoctoral research position to collaborate with Dr. Grace Telford on projects related to low-metallicity massive stars; the interstellar medium and/or resolved stellar populations in nearby galaxies; and/or feedback-driven galaxy evolution across cosmic time. The successful applicant will have access to a range of datasets from, e.g., HST, JWST, Keck, and SDSS-V for this science, and will also be encouraged to develop their own independent, related research program.
Applicants with expertise in any of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: UV, optical, or IR spectroscopy of OB stars or the ISM, especially IFU data; stellar atmosphere or evolution modeling, especially applied to interpreting observations; or the analysis of resolved stellar populations in HST, JWST, or Roman imaging. Most important is the willingness and motivation to learn new skills and work independently to bring projects to fruition.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or closely related field by the start of the appointment, which is nominally September 1, 2026, but is negotiable. The initial appointment will be for 2 years, with an expected renewal for a third year contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
The University of Utah is an R1 research university with about 36 faculty and 75 graduate students in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, many of whose research interests include astronomy, cosmology, astroparticle physics, and high-energy physics. Salt Lake City is a large metropolitan area renowned for its natural beauty, proximity to numerous state and national parks, and diversity of recreational and cultural options.
To apply, please prepare a single PDF containing a cover letter, a 3-page statement of research experience and future plans, and a CV including a publication list. Then, fill out this application form (which contains instructions to upload the single PDF) by December 1, 2025: https://forms.gle/skiffpPn45xhDEvP7. Reference letters for short-listed applicants will be requested by the end of the year. Any questions should be directed to Dr. Telford at [email protected].
Compensation and Benefits
Currency
467
Stipend
$61,000.00USD
Included Benefits
The position includes relocation costs and research funds to participate in relevant international conferences. For information on postdoc benefits at the University of Utah, please see: https://postdocs.utah.edu/policies/postdoctoral-benefits.php
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
Application Details
Publication Start Date
2025 Oct 13
Application Deadline
2025 Dec 01