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Astrophysics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State invites applicants for two Postdoctoral Researcher positions to work with Professor Jimmy DeLaunay and collaborators. The ...

The Particle Astrophysics group at Penn State is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work with Professor Stephanie Wissel on experimental searches for the highest energy neutrinos, multi-messenger ...

Position Details Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Postdoctoral Associate Department ... D. in Earth and planetary sciences, geophysics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, or a closely ...

Postdoctoral Scholar

Columbus, OH · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

Arts and Sciences | Astronomy The Postdoctoral Scholar will work with Professor Scott Gaudi in the Department of Astronomy at The Ohio State University on the development of the Living Worlds science ...

Postdoctoral Scholar

Columbus, OH · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

Arts and Sciences | Astronomy The Postdoctoral Scholar will work with Professor Scott Gaudi in the Department of Astronomy at The Ohio State University on the development of the Living Worlds science ...

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Astrophysics Postdoc information

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$13

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$62

How much do astrophysics postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for astrophysics postdoc in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an astrophysics postdoc?

To thrive as an Astrophysics Postdoc, you need an advanced degree (PhD) in astrophysics or a related field, along with strong analytical, mathematical, and research skills. Experience with programming languages like Python or C++, data analysis tools, and familiarity with astronomical instrumentation are common requirements. Excellent written and verbal communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities are key soft skills for effective work within research teams and conference settings. These skills enable impactful scientific contributions, efficient data interpretation, and successful integration into complex research projects.

What is an astrophysics postdoc?

An Astrophysics Postdoc is a temporary research position, typically lasting two to three years, for individuals who have recently completed their PhD in astrophysics or a related field. Postdocs work on specialized research projects, often under the supervision of a senior scientist or as part of a research team. Their responsibilities include conducting original research, publishing papers, attending conferences, and sometimes mentoring students. These positions help researchers gain experience, develop expertise, and prepare for permanent academic or industry roles.

What kinds of research projects and collaborations can an astrophysics postdoc expect to be involved in?

Astrophysics Postdocs often work on cutting-edge research projects that can include observational campaigns, theoretical modeling, data analysis from telescopes or space missions, and developing new computational tools. Collaborations are common, both within the host institution and with national or international teams, frequently involving interdisciplinary groups of physicists, data scientists, and engineers. Many postdocs contribute to publishing papers, presenting findings at conferences, and sometimes mentoring graduate or undergraduate students. This environment offers a dynamic blend of independent research and teamwork, fostering both deep expertise and broad professional connections in the astrophysics community.

Are astrophysics postdocs in high demand?

Astrophysics postdoctoral positions are competitive and often limited in number, as they are typically funded by research grants and academic institutions. While demand for astrophysicists with strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis tools remains steady, the overall availability of postdoc roles is influenced by funding levels and research priorities in the field.
More about Astrophysics Postdoc jobs
What states have the most Astrophysics Postdoc jobs? States with the most job openings for Astrophysics Postdoc jobs include:
Infographic showing various Astrophysics Postdoc job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,777 per year, or $21 per hour.

Postdoctoral Researchers - Time Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

The Pennsylvania State University

On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State invites applicants for two Postdoctoral Researcher positions to work with Professor Jimmy DeLaunay and collaborators. The successful applicants will work with the Fermi GBM and Swift-BAT GUANO teams to search for hard X-ray to gamma-ray transients in real-time as well as archivally over the decades of Fermi's and Swift's lifetime. Additionally, the successful applicants will perform multi-messenger and transient population studies. Research duties will involve improving transient search pipelines, analysis of large quantities of data, transient classification, detailed studies of newly discovered, interesting transients, and publication of scientific results.

Penn State is home to the Swift Mission Operation Center and has a significant community of researchers who study high-energy transients. Penn State is also home to the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos and its Center for Multimessenger Astrophysics, which includes members of several experiments, such as LIGO, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, and the HAWC TeV gamma-ray detector.

Education and Experience

A Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field is required. Experience with HPC systems, machine learning, and GRB monitor data analysis would be an advantage.

Additional Information

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter, statement of research interests, a CV, and a list of publications. In addition, please arrange for three professional reference letters to be sent to jjd330@psu.edu.

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Professor Jimmy DeLaunay at jjd330@psu.edu. Review of applications will begin May 8, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by May 7th will receive full consideration. The expected start date is August 2026, but is negotiable.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

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Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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