Postdoctoral Researcher in Extragalactic Astronomy

Overview

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). STScI is NASA’s science operations center for missions including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. STScI invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher in astronomy to work with Dr. Marc Rafelski and collaborators. The research projects encompass observational extragalactic science based on imaging and spectroscopy from a wide range of observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Very Large Telescope (VLT), and Keck Observatory.

The postdoc will work with data from the DISCS (Direct Imaging Survey of Circumgalactic Structure) with both HST and JWST data, PIE (The Parallel Ionizing Emissivity Survey) including follow‑up, and others depending on interest.

The postdoc will work with many collaborators, including Drs., Ilias Goovaerts, Farhan Hasan, Mitchell Revalski, and Alaina Henry at STScI;
Dr. Alex Beckett at Marseille Astrophysics Laboratory;
Kalina Nedkova, Harry Teplitz, and Vihang Mehta at IPAC;
Claudia Scarlata at UMN; and Rajeshwari Dutta at Inter‑University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics. Part of the time may be available for independent research or new projects in related areas. The nominal start date is expected to be in Summer/Fall 2026, but other dates are negotiable. The initial appointment for the STScI positions is for at least one year, with the expected renewal to a 2nd and 3rd year subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Additional funding is expected from accepted HST and JWST programs.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, or related fields at the start of the position. Expertise in one or more of the following areas is desirable:

• (a) data reduction and analysis of HST and JWST observations;
• (b) evolution of galaxies;
• (c) properties of the circumgalactic medium;
• (d) spectral energy distribution modeling;
• (e) morphological classification;
• (f) Lyman continuum and Lyman‑alpha escape.

More important is the willingness to take on new projects, learn new skills, and work independently to bring these projects to fruition.

STScI, located on Johns Hopkins University Campus in Baltimore, Maryland, offers an excellent benefit package, competitive salaries, and a stimulating work environment. STScI’s pay is commensurate to the year of Ph.D.

Any questions about the position should be directed to mrafelski.

Applicants are requested to complete an on-line application through:

Reference letters must be submitted by the same date via the on-line application system.  #:0015533

Complete applications received by February 1, 2026 will receive full consideration. Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and early applications are appreciated. Also, applicants must arrange for three confidential letters of reference.

Questions regarding the application process can be sent directly to careers.