Flatiron Research Fellow, Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA)

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Archive Date: 
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Other
Institution/Company: 
Simons Foundation/Flatiron Institute
Department Name: 
Center for Computational Astrophysics
City: 
New York
State/Province: 
NY
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

POSITION SUMMARY

Applications are invited for postdoctoral research positions as Flatiron Research Fellows (FRF) at the Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA). CCA offers FRFs the opportunity for independent research in areas that have strong synergy with one or more of the existing research groups at CCA or other centers at the Flatiron Institute. In addition to carrying out independent research, Flatiron Research Fellows are expected to: disseminate their results through scientific publication or software release, collaborate with other members of the CCA or Flatiron Institute, and participate in the scientific life of the CCA and Flatiron Institute by attending seminars, colloquia, and group meetings. Flatiron Research Fellows may have the opportunity to organize workshops and to mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

The mission of the Flatiron Institute is to advance scientific research through computational methods, including data analysis, theory, modeling and simulation. It currently houses five science centers, focused on computational astrophysics (CCA), computational biology (CCB), computational mathematics (CCM), computational neuroscience (CCN) and computational quantum physics (CCQ), as well as a scientific computing core. CCA's mission is to create and develop computational methods, tools and frameworks that allow scientists to analyze big astronomical datasets and to understand complex, multi-scale physics in astrophysical systems ranging in scales from planets to the Universe. In 2022, CCA research groups will include Astronomical Data, Compact Objects, Cosmology X Data Science, Dynamics, Galaxy Formation, Gravitational Wave Astronomy and Planet Formation. Please see https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-astro... for a full description of the goals of the research groups and science staff. The CCA has partnerships with The Simons Observatory, The Terra Hunting Experiment, Sloan Digital Sky Survey V, The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, and the NASA SPHEREx mission.

FRF positions are generally two-year appointments and can be renewed for a third year, contingent on performance. FRFs receive a research budget and have access to the Flatiron Institute’s powerful scientific computing resources. FRFs may be eligible for subsidized housing within walking distance of the CCA. These positions will be based in our New York City offices and the anticipated start dates for these positions will be between July and October 2022.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Applicants are required to have a PhD in a related field or, if selected, will receive their PhD before the start of the FRF appointment.

 

Related Skills & Other requirements

  • Expertise in algorithm and software development, computational methods, data analysis, modeling, statistics and machine learning, scientific simulation and  theoretical astrophysics .
  • Ability to do original and outstanding research in astrophysics
  • Ability to work well independently as well as in a collaborative team environment
  • ​​Ability to present research and other types of work, internally and externally
  • Effective oral and written communication and data documentation 

 

Required Application Materials

  • Cover letter (optional)
  • Curriculum Vitae with bibliography
  • Research statement of no more than three pages describing the applicant’s past work, proposed research program, and potential synergies with activities at CCA
  • We encourage applicants, as a component of their research statement to discuss their broader impact on the field
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation submitted confidentially by the letter writers to [email protected]
  • Applicants should follow the detailed guidelines at https://jobregister.aas.org/postdoc-application-guidelines.


Deadline: All application materials (including letters) must be received by October 15, 2021.

 

Selection Criteria: Applicants must have a PhD in a related field or expect to receive their PhD before the start of the appointment. Applications will be evaluated based on 1) past research accomplishments 2) proposed research program 3) synergy of applicant’s expertise and research proposal topic with existing CCA staff and research programs, and potential to cross boundaries between CCA groups and/or the Flatiron Institute’s centers.

 

Any queries about the application process or about CCA should be directed to [email protected]. Queries about the CCA will be welcome by any of the scientific staff at CCA.


THE SIMONS FOUNDATION’S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.

Application Deadline: 
Friday, October 15, 2021
Selection Deadline: 
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
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