Research Associate in Astronomy

About the Interconnected Cosmos Initiative

The Interconnected Cosmos Initiative (ICI) at the University of Virginia brings together Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Engineering (including Computer Science, Data Science, and Materials Science), and partners such as the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) to tackle major questions in modern astrophysics, astrochemistry, planetary science, and cosmology.

Role and Expectations

• Lead ambitious research programs addressing cutting-edge problems in astronomy
• Develop an interdisciplinary research plan grounded in and jointly supervised across at least two UVA departments
• Work within a dual-mentor model: two mentors whose primary appointments cross departments or institutions (e.g., Astronomy and Physics, Astronomy and Computer Science, or UVA departments and NRAO)
• Participate actively in departmental and Initiative-wide activities, including interdisciplinary workshops, seminars, and collaborations with national and international partners
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students as part of ICI's broader training mission
• Access UVA's high-performance research computing resources and telescope/instrumentation collaborations

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astrophysics or related discipline by the appointment start date

Pay

Annual salary of $70,000. Annual research budget of $8,000/year with $2,500 for relocation.

Benefits

Eligible for health insurance through the UVA Health Plan. Additional professional development opportunities through the PhDPlus Program and UVA Postdoctoral Association.

Appointment Details

Initial one-year appointment based in Charlottesville, with expectation of annual renewal up to three years contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability. Background check required prior to employment.

Application Timeline and Contacts

Review of applications begins December 1, 2026; positions remain open until filled. Apply online at jobs.virginia.edu/us (search for R0088492). Direct questions to Ilse Cleeves (lic3f@virginia.edu). Steering committee contacts for interdisciplinary mentoring guidance: Catherine A Dukes (cdukes@virginia.edu), David A Nichols (dn2ep@virginia.edu), Kent Yagi (ky5t@virginia.edu), Ryan Loomis (rloomis@nrao.edu), Kevin Skadron (skadron@virginia.edu), Nitya Kallivayalil (njk3r@virginia.edu), Ajay Limaye (ajay@virginia.edu), Paul Torrey (ygn5rz@virginia.edu), Rob Garrod (rg5qp@virginia.edu), Jonathan Kropko (jkropko@virginia.edu).