Postdoctoral Scholar

Postdoctoral Scholar - Institute for Data Intensive Research in Astrophysics & Cosmology (3 positions)
Position Overview

Organization: Astronomy

Title: Postdoctoral Scholar - Institute for Data Intensive Research in Astrophysics & Cosmology (3 positions)

Position Details
Position Description

We invite applications for the 2026 DiRAC Fellowship in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Washington. These up to 3-year full time postdoctoral positions are available to promising early-career scientists who are:

• Ready to engage in self-directed research that complements the work done at UW's Institute for Data-Intensive Research in Astrophysics and Cosmology (DiRAC; ). Active areas include: Transients and Variable Star Science, Solar System Science, Milky Way Structure, Extragalactic Science, Cosmology, and Astronomical Software Development.
• Excited by the prospect of leading and participating in early science with Rubin Observatory and the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST; ).
• Enthusiastic about exploring and applying new statistical, computational, or machine learning techniques to astronomical data sets, and extending current methodology to be applicable in the era of big data.
• Looking forward to collaborating with software engineers and researchers across all areas of astrophysics and fields such as computer science and statistics.

Applicants should demonstrate excellence in research that complements or builds upon ongoing research directions within the DiRAC Institute. Those with innovative research programs and ideas involving first science with LSST are especially encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will work with the current DiRAC and UW Astronomy faculty and researchers to develop their own programs of research and innovation.

DiRAC ) is a research institute within the Astronomy Department ) at the University of Washington. Its mission is to expand the frontiers of astrophysics enabled by breakthroughs in large surveys, data-intensive algorithms, and software. The Institute comprises seven faculty and senior fellows, and over 30 postdoctoral researchers, research scientists, software engineers, and graduate students. DiRAC leads the construction of Rubin Observatory's time domain and solar system processing pipelines, is a founding Hub of LINCC, the LSST Interdisciplinary Network for Computing and Collaboration ), co-leads the LINCC Frameworks program to provide advances in software infrastructure needed to enable LSST analyses ), and hosts the LINCC Science Platform ).

This position is a full time, 1 year (12 month) appointment. At the end of this period, this appointment may be renewed upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability (up to 3 years total). The base salary range for this position is $70,008-$85,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website. The anticipated start date for this position is September 1, 2026.

We share a strong commitment to equity and inclusion; we particularly encourage applications from candidates historically underrepresented in astronomy, in any area of research. We also welcome applicants who are interested in collaborating broadly within the Astronomy Department, as well as engaging in outreach and professional development activities. Candidates should address in the cover letter how their work potentially complements, connects to, or extends current faculty efforts at UW.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. or foreign equivalent degree in astronomy, physics, computer science, or a related subject is required.

Instructions

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, community impact statement, and contact information for three letters of recommendation. We encourage applicants to follow the AAS Postdoctoral Application Guidelines in preparing these materials ).

• The research statement should have a maximum length of 3 pages (references may be included on an extra page), addressing both current work and laying out research ideas for the 3-year fellowship.
• Candidates should address in their application how their work potentially complements, connects to, or extends current research efforts at DiRAC, or indicate how they would benefit from expertise available at DiRAC.
• Candidates should highlight work and ideas related to first science with LSST.
• The community impact statement should have a maximum length of 1 page, and should address how your activities at UW could contribute to the UW, astronomy, and/or local community in ways beyond the direct impact of your scientific research.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled, but should be received by November 30, 2025 for full consideration. Please email Professor Nora Shipp at if you have any questions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all.

As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits

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Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at or

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