Virginia Cosmic Origins Postdoctoral Research Associates

The University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Associate positions as part of the interdisciplinary Virginia Initiative on Cosmic Origins (VICO).

The incumbents will lead ambitious, independent research programs related to Cosmic Origins science, expected to 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. The relevant themes include star formation, planet formation and evolution, planetary science, astrochemistry, quantum chemistry and astrobiology, from both theoretical and observational perspectives. See www.cosmicorigins.space for more information.

The Postdoctoral Research Associates will participate in departmental activities and promote collaboration both within VICO and with its partner institutes, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden and the Center for Astrochemical Studies at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), Garching, Germany.

There are two types of research programs being advertised this year: 1) Virginia Cosmic Origins Program; (2) Virginia-Chalmers Cosmic Origins Program. Applicants should indicate in their cover letter if they have preferences among these research programs.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in astrophysics, astrochemistry, astrobiology or related disciplines by the appointment start date.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UVAJobs/job/Charlottesville-VA/Research-Associate-in-Astronomy_R0029564  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 [email protected].

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by December 15, 2021 to be considered. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment

All positions will start at UVA and are initially a one-year appointment, with renewal for an additional two one-year increments for the Virginia position, contingent upon satisfactory performance and available funding, and an additional three one-year increments for the Virginia-Chalmers position, contingent upon satisfactory performance and available funding (Years 3 and 4 would be at Chalmers).

Questions regarding the position should be directed to: Jonathan Tan ([email protected]), Ilse Cleeves ([email protected]), Eric Herbst ([email protected]), Rob Garrod ([email protected]) or Zhi-Yun Li ([email protected]).

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Richard Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at [email protected].

If hired to work within the University Health System, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to receive the vaccination. Employees may request a medical or religious exemption from vaccination. For more information, see the UVA New Hire Vaccination Requirements webpage.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.