CIERA Board of Visitors Research Professorship at Northwestern University

The Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern University invites applications for a special endowed research position: the CIERA Board of Visitors Research Professorship. CIERA is a University Research Center on Northwestern's Evanston campus, located on the shore of Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago. CIERA's mission is to advance astronomy and astrophysics research and education at Northwestern. It is a center on a growth trajectory, with many programs and initiatives, and its Director is at the forefront of the emerging field of gravitational wave astronomy. The CIERA Board of Visitors Research Professorship role was created in order to retain the cutting-edge research reputation and impact of the Director of CIERA over time, as she leads the center to further prominence.

The CIERA Board of Visitors Research Professor will have broad responsibility for advancing and maintaining the research program of the Director of CIERA, ensuring that all aspects of the Director’s research initiatives and scholarship are held at the highest level of excellence. The individual hired will partner closely with the Director of CIERA on her highest-priority research, to maintain the existing research program, drive forward the Director’s research agenda, and fully bring to fruition new research ideas.

The CIERA Board of Visitors Research Professorship position is a senior, PhD-level, science manager and research faculty member position. Named for the CIERA Board of Visitors, whose generous donations fund the role, the position’s level is above a prize postdoctoral fellow. It is hoped that the individual hired will serve in the role for at least three, preferably five years’ time.

A PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics is required. Background in stellar and compact-object astrophysics, gravitational-wave sources and data analysis is highly desired. No formal research program management experience is required, but strong evidence for research excellence, supervision of multiple projects, multi-tasking, and organizational skills is highly desired. The candidate must be self-motivated, energetic, and able to work independently, bring projects to conclusion, and have the quality interpersonal skills to work effectively with collaborators, students, administrators, and grant sponsors.

The application should include a curriculum vitae, a three-page research statement, and the applicant must arrange for a minimum of 3 letters of reference to be uploaded by the referee to Academic Jobs Online. Letters should address the critical skills mentioned here. All application materials should be submitted electronically at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/9942. For questions about the application process please contact Gretchen Oehlschlager at [email protected].

CIERA has a strong commitment to the achievement of excellence through diversity among its faculty and staff. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.