Research Associate in Astronomy

The University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position as part of multiple initiatives including the Virginia Institute for Theoretical Astronomy (VITA) and the Virginia Initiative on Cosmic Origins (VICO). Applicants are encouraged to apply via this single ad if their expertise and research interest align with either or both programs.

VITA Fellows are expected to have backgrounds in theoretical and computational astrophysics research in the following areas: galaxy formation and evolution, accretion disks, high energy astrophysics, star formation and evolution, planet formation and evolution and astrochemistry. These topics align with the wide range of research at UVA, as well as at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) on the grounds of the University.

See  for more information.

VICO Fellows are expected to lead ambitious, independent research programs related to Cosmic Origins science that align with the wide range of research at UVA, NRAO on the grounds of the University. The relevant themes include planet formation and evolution, planetary science, exoplanetary science, astrochemistry, astrobiology and star formation from both theoretical and observational perspectives. See https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for more information.

Postdoctoral Fellows will have access to the Astronomy Department’s telescope resources, including the 2 x 8.4 m Large Binocular Telescope, the 6.5 m MMT, the 2 x 6.5 m Magellan telescopes, the Astrophysical Research Consortium telescopes at Apache Point Observatory, as well as UVA’s high-performance research computing facilities. The Department is a partner in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the LSST Discovery Alliance.

UVA astronomy faculty have strong research ties to the scientific staff at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), which is located on the grounds of the University. Fellows will thus be part of a vibrant community of scientists from both UVA and NRAO.

Postdoctoral Fellows will participate in departmental activities, mentorship of students, and promote wider collaboration. All positions are initially one-year appointments, with renewal for an additional two one-year increments, contingent upon satisfactory performance. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered s position also includes a research budget to be used to support equipment purchases, travel, networking and collaboration opportunities.

Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in astrophysics or related discipline by the appointment start date.

Apply online at  and attach as a single PDF document a cover letter; curriculum vitae; list of publications; summary of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages, including references); research proposal (limited to 3 pages text plus up to 2 pages of references/figures). Applicants should also arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be submitted to  with the file name format “.pdf”.

Review of applications will begin on December 31, 2025, however the positions will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to:
Phil Arras (pla7y);
Ilse Cleeves (lic3f);
Shane Davis (swd8g);
Rob Garrod (rg5qp);
Satya Gontcho A Contcho (bwt9dy) Zhi-Yun Li (zl4h);
Shazrene Mohamed (bcv9zs);
Craig Sarazin (sarazin);
Jonathan Tan (jct6e);
Paul Torrey (ygn5rz); and Yifan Zhou (uyr2ce). Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Richard Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at (rkh6j).

Additional information about the UVA Astronomy department can be found at .

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.  to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.