University of Michigan ELT Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Michigan invites applications for our ELT Postdoctoral Prize Fellowship, focused on transformational science with Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs).

Our department is currently the only U.S. institution participating in the instrumentation program for ESO’s groundbreaking 39-meter ELT, through active membership in the HARMONI, METIS, ANDES, and MOSAIC consortia, as well as their Science Working Groups.

This fellowship is intended for junior scientists in all areas of astronomy who aspire to define ambitious research goals for the next decade and develop scientific programs that take full advantage of the unparalleled capabilities of ELTs, including the European ELT, Giant Magellan Telescope, and Thirty Meter Telescope. You will have the opportunity to establish independent research that addresses scientific questions uniquely enabled by 30-meter-class telescopes. While experience with instrumentation is valued, this position emphasizes projects that utilize existing observational facilities and/or theoretical modeling and simulations to help shape the next generation of ground-based astronomy. Bring your boldest ideas, set the scientific agenda, and help chart the future of ELT discoveries with Michigan Astronomy.

UM Astronomy offers world-class expertise in star and planet formation, exoplanets, compact objects and high-energy astrophysics, and galaxy formation and evolution. Our faculty-led groups excel in observation, numerical simulations, theory, and instrumentation.

Fellows will have access to departmental resources, including privileged access to the Magellan Telescopes, the MDM Observatory, and the CHARA Interferometer (via Prof. Monnier), as well as U-M high-performance computing clusters and more (see lsa.umich.edu/astro for details). The position provides a competitive salary and personal research budget.

The University of Michigan is recognized among the world’s top academic employers, and Ann Arbor is renowned for its outstanding quality of life. This fellowship is renewable annually for up to three years, contingent on satisfactory progress. Information about working as postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan can be found here:  https://postdocs.umich.edu/ 

Applicants must have a PhD (in Astronomy, Physics, or closely related discipline) or expect to receive one before the start date. All application materials should be submitted via this Interfolio link: https://apply.interfolio.com/173112 Required materials include: (a) a cover letter (suggested length: 1 page); (b) a CV (2–3 pages); (c) a research statement (6–8 pages, including figures), describing past accomplishments, current work, and a proposal for research to be carried out during the fellowship; (d) a bibliography of published papers; and (e) three letters of recommendation to be submitted directly via Interfolio. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2025 and initial offers will be made in January, 2026.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.  

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

U-M EEO/AA Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.