Program Description

Flatiron Research Fellow, Center for Computational Astrophysics

Description
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, and an initiative in computational catalysis (ICC). CCA staff frequently collaborate with members of these centers and benefit from their expertise, and joint FRF appointments can be considered if applications are submitted to two relevant centers. Within the Flatiron Institute, the CCA's specific 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. We recommend candidates review our FAQ prior to submitting an application.

Flatiron Research Fellows are expected to carry out an active research program that is independently directed and is encouraged to 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, HIRAX, LIGO, and the NASA SPHEREx mission, and to participate in CCA-related software projects such as MESA, AstroPy, Entity, Dedalus, and PASTA. In addition, individual CCA research scientists have significant roles in a variety of collaborations and projects, including Learning the Universe, JWST, PRIMA, Rubin, Euclid, Roman[1] , CAMELS, DREAMS, MESA, AstroPy, Dedalus, LIGO, LISA, and Gaia, and would welcome FRF collaborators. More details can be found on our website under “Projects” and “Software”. CCA members also maintain valuable ties with neighboring academic institutions, with many senior CCA scientists having joint faculty appointments.

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 continued performance. FRFs receive a research budget to support travel and visitors. They also have access to the Flatiron Institute's powerful scientific computing resources, including 2 HPC clusters with a combined 180,000 cores, 600 GPUs, and 60PB of raw storage. 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 2027.

Qualifications

Education

• Applicants are required to have or receive before their appointment a PhD in a related field.
  

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.
  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• The full-time annual compensation for this position is $95,000.
•  In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.
  

Application Instructions

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Curriculum Vitae with bibliography (Required)
• Research statement of no more than three pages (including figures but not including list of 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 via Interfolio prior to the application due date (Required)
• Cover letter (optional)
• • The Center for Computational Astrophysics is committed to broadening the community of scientists contributing to the field of Astrophysics. We drive innovation and collaboration by recruiting scientists from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. With this in mind, tell us who you are and what you will bring to the CCA. Applicants are invited to describe their journey into Astrophysics research 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 the list of references is not included in the 3-page limit for a Research Statement
  

For more information about careers at the Flatiron Institute, please visit simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/careers.

 Deadline: All application materials (including letters) must be received by October 31, 2026

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 astro@simonsfoundation.org. Queries about the CCA may also be directed to any of the scientific staff at CCA.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Application Materials
The Flatiron Institute values authenticity, originality, and transparency throughout the application and hiring process. Applicants are expected to submit application materials that reflect their own original work, experiences, ideas, writing, and scientific or professional judgment. The use of AI-based tools may be appropriate for limited purposes during the hiring process, such as editing, formatting, or code review. However, application materials, including research statements, cover letters, personal statements, and other writing samples, should not be substantially authored or generated by AI systems.

Applicants are encouraged to disclose any significant or material use of AI tools in the preparation of their application materials or throughout the hiring process. The Flatiron Institute does not use AI-based tools to screen applicants.

If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application process due to a disability, please contact us at employment@simonsfoundation.org.

To apply, please visit: https://apply.interfolio.com/193381