Postdoctoral Research in Astrophysical Sciences

Overview

The Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, anticipates offering a number of postdoctoral or more senior research positions in theory, observation, and instrumentation, including (but not limited to): the Lyman Spitzer, Jr. Postdoctoral Fellowship; the Henry Norris Russell Postdoctoral Fellowship;
The Vera

C. Rubin Observatory Data Management Team; and positions in research related to exoplanets and AI, interstellar medium/star formation, gravitational dynamics, plasma astrophysics, and theoretical astrophysics. Applicants may work with the Department's distinguished faculty and research staff. For a full list of department members and activities, see the Princeton Astrophysical Sciences website. There are also strong research groups with interests in astrophysics at the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab and in the Physics, Geosciences, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Departments, and at the nearby Institute for Advanced Study.

The expected start date is September 1, 2026, although this is flexible. For details on specific positions, see the department job opportunities page. The term of appointment is based on rank. Positions at the postdoctoral rank are for one year with the expectation of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding; those hired at more senior ranks may have multi-year appointments.

A PhD in Astronomy or a related field is required. Interested persons should submit a curriculum vitae, a publication list, and a research statement, and provide contact information for three references by November 1, 2025. Applicants should apply via the web at the Princeton academic positions site. All applications received by November 1, 2025 will be fully considered, but applications will continue to be accepted until all available positions are filled.

Letters of recommendation will be requested directly upon application submission and will be expected about one week after applications are submitted, nominally no later than November 8, 2025. All applications will be considered for all postdoctoral positions available in the department, including department fellowships and grant supported positions, but you will be asked in the application which positions you are interested in.

For further inquiries, contact astropd. These positions are subject to the University s background check policy. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University. Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Expected Salary Range: PDRA: $65,000 - $86,000; ARS: $79,000 - $99,000

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this information for more details.

Requisition No: D-26-AST-00004

PI