Flatiron Research Fellow, Center for Computational Astrophysics

POSITION SUMMARY

Applications are invited for postdoctoral research positions as Flatiron Research Fellows (FRF) at the Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA). The CCA offers FRFs the opportunity for independent research in areas that have strong synergy with the CCA or other centers at the Flatiron Institute. 

The mission of the Flatiron Institute is to advance scientific knowledge through computational methods, including data analysis, theory, modeling, and simulation. It currently houses five centers, focused on computational astrophysics (CCA), biology (CCB), mathematics (CCM), neuroscience (CCN) and quantum physics (CCQ), as well as a scientific computing core (SCC) that maintains state-of-the-art computing facilities for use by Flatiron scientists. The CCA's mission is to create, develop, and disseminate computational methods, tools, and frameworks that allow scientists to build or analyze big astronomical datasets, and to use computational and statistical techniques to understand complex, multi-scale physics in astrophysical systems ranging in scales from planets to the Universe. 

Please see https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-astrophysics/ for a full description of CCA research areas and scientific staff. 

Flatiron Research Fellows are expected to carry out an active research program that can be independently directed and/or involve substantial collaboration with other members of the CCA or Flatiron Institute.  In addition to their own research, Fellows help build the rich scientific community at the CCA and Flatiron Institute by: participating in seminars, colloquia, and group meetings; developing their software, mathematical, and computational expertise through internal educational opportunities; and sharing their knowledge through scientific publications, presentations, and/or software releases. Flatiron Research Fellows may also have the opportunity to organize workshops and to mentor graduate and undergraduate students through the CCA Pre-Doctoral Program, the CUNY Astrophysics Masters Program, the Simons-NSBP Scholars Summer Program, and the AstroCom NYC Program. FRFs are welcome to take advantage of CCA partnerships with the Simons Observatory, the Terra Hunting Experiment, Sloan Digital Sky Survey V, Gaia, and the NASA SPHEREx mission.  In addition, individual CCA research scientists have significant roles in a variety of collaborations and projects, including Learning the Universe, SIMBIG, Vera Rubin, Euclid, Roman, CAMELS, MESA, AstroPy, NANOGrav, and would welcome FRF collaborators. Many CCA scientists have joint appointments with other neighboring institutions as well.

The CCA welcomes any applicant who feels that their research program would thrive at the CCA. We have also identified a number of strategic areas where we would particularly welcome applicants’ participation, listed on this webpage under the “Strategic Areas” tab.

FRF positions are generally two-year appointments that 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, with anticipated start dates  between late August and early October 2023.

In addition, The Center for Computational Astrophysics at the Flatiron Institute and the Astronomy Department at Columbia University invite applications for a joint postdoctoral position. The chosen applicant of this position will conduct independent research as well as contribute to the goals of the Learning the Universe collaboration (www.learning-the-universe.org). If you are interested, please review the full job ad https://bit.ly/3D9KZpy, and indicate your interest when prompted in the Simons Foundation's application questionnaire.

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

• Ability to do original research in astrophysics
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• ​​Ability to present research and other types of work, internally and externally
• Effective oral and written communication and data documentation 
• Intellectual connections to projects in which the CCA is involved (if relevant) 
• Expertise in technical elements of computational astrophysics research, which may include but are not limited to: algorithm and software development; application or development of computational or statistical methods; data analysis; modeling; statistics and machine learning; scientific simulation; or theoretical astrophysics.

Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae with bibliography (Required)
• Research statement of no more than three pages (including figures and references) describing the applicant’s past work, proposed research program, and potential synergies with activities at CCA (Required)
• We encourage applicants, as a component of their research statement, to discuss their broader impact on the field, what they expect to bring to the CCA, and what they expect to gain from being at the CCA.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation submitted confidentially by the letter writers to [email protected] (Required)
• Cover letter (optional)
  • The Center for Computational Astrophysics is committed to diversity and making the field of Astrophysics more equitable and inclusive. Applicants are invited to describe their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (whether through personal experiences or academic) in their cover letter, but this is not required.
  • The cover letter should note any particular projects (or individuals) in which the applicant is particularly interested in collaboration. 
  • Applicants should follow the detailed guidelines at https://jobregister.aas.org/postdoc-application-guidelines, except that a list of references is not required.

Deadline: All application materials (including letters) must be received by November 1, 2022.

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) the proposed research program; 3) the 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 may also be directed to 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.