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Postdoctoral Scholar in Theoretical Astrophysics

Position overview

Salary range: $69,073-$71,491
Review timeline: For full consideration in the first review of applicants, materials should be submitted by December 12.

Application Window

Open date: October 3, 2025

Next review date: Friday, Dec 12, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in theoretical astrophysics at UCLA. Research in our group spans a wide range of topics in cosmic structure and dynamics, from the formation of the first galaxies and star clusters in the early Universe to the gravitational interactions of stars, stellar remnants, and black holes in dense environments, including processes that lead to gravitational-wave sources. Projects may involve a combination of analytical approaches and large-scale numerical simulations, depending on the candidate’s expertise and interests.

The Postdoctoral Scholar appointment is contingent upon evidence of a doctoral degree, documentation of employment eligibility in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, funding availability, and approval of the Dean of the Division of Graduate Education. Applicants must have received (or expect to soon receive) a PhD in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related discipline. The successful candidate may begin anytime in Fall 2026.

The position will be for an initial term of two years, with the possibility of extension to a third year, contingent upon performance and availability of funding.

Application Process
Qualified applicants should send a single PDF to snaoz@g.ucla.edu, including:

-A CV, including a publication list
-A brief statement of past research and future aims (3 pages or less)
In addition, applicants should arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly to snaoz@g.ucla.edu by December 12, 2025.

Review of applications will begin on December 12, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related discipline
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Publication List

  • Statement of Research

Reference requirements
  • 3 letters of reference required

Your letter will be available online for viewing by the search committee. We may include your letter in any future appointment file if an offer of employment is extended.

Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10636

Help contact: khernandez@physics.ucla.edu

About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

Job location

Los Angeles, CA