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Astrophysics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

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 Pennsylvania State University

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 ...

Troy University

Postdoctoral Associate

Troy, AL · On-site

Posting Details Position Information Posting Number SF2003P Position Title Postdoctoral Associate ... Minimum Qualifications 1. Doctoral degree in Astronomy/Astronomy/Physics specializing in orbital ...

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How much do astrophysics postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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 in the Astrophysics Postdoc position, and why are they important?

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.

How much does a physics post doc make?

A physics postdoctoral researcher typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on the institution, location, and funding source. Salaries may increase with experience, and postdocs often receive benefits such as health insurance and research stipends.

What is an Astrophysics Postdoc job?

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.

Is there a high demand for astrophysicists?

Astrophysics postdocs typically face limited immediate job opportunities, as academic and research positions are competitive and often dependent on funding availability. However, skills in data analysis, programming, and research are valuable in related fields such as aerospace, data science, and scientific research institutions, which can expand employment prospects.

Does Elon Musk have a degree in astrophysics?

Elon Musk does not have a degree in astrophysics; he holds degrees in physics and economics from the University of Pennsylvania. As an entrepreneur and engineer, he has self-educated in various scientific fields relevant to his work in space exploration and technology. For an astrophysics postdoc, a PhD in astrophysics or a related field is typically required, which Musk does not possess.

Does NASA accept astrophysicists?

NASA employs astrophysicists in various research and mission roles, often hiring postdoctoral scientists with strong backgrounds in physics, astronomy, and data analysis. Candidates typically need relevant advanced degrees, research experience, and familiarity with scientific tools and programming. Postdoctoral positions at NASA provide opportunities for astrophysicists to contribute to space missions, research projects, and scientific discoveries.

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.

More about Astrophysics Postdoc jobs
What states have the most Astrophysics Postdoc jobs? States with the most job openings for Astrophysics Postdoc jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Astrophysics Postdoc jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Astrophysics Postdoc jobs are:
Astrophysics Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astrophysics Postdoc job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 47% Physical, and 53% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,777 per year, or $21 per hour.
Postdoctoral Researchers - Time Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

Postdoctoral Researchers - Time Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 544 rated colleges and universities

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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
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 our Benefits 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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