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Astrophysics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Astrophysics at Penn State invites applications for a full-time Assistant or Associate Research ... For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.) CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME ...

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How much do astrophysics postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 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 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.

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.

Are astrophysics postdocs in high demand?

Astrophysics postdoctoral positions are competitive and often limited in number, with demand influenced by funding availability and research priorities. While there are opportunities in academia, research institutions, and observatories, the overall demand for astrophysics postdocs remains moderate, requiring strong research skills and a Ph.D. in astrophysics or related fields.
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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 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,777 per year, or $21 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Physics - Wissel Research Group

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The Particle Astrophysics group at Penn State is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work with Prof. Stephanie Wissel on experimental searches for the highest energy neutrinos, multi-messenger, and particle astrophysics.
Researchers in the Wissel Lab work on several experiments deployed around the world including in Antarctica, Greenland, and high elevation mountains. Experiments such as the Askaryan Radio Array (ARA) and the future radio component of IceCube-Gen2 at the South Pole and the Radio Neutrino Observatory in Greenland (RNO-G) search for EeV-scale neutrinos with antennas deployed in polar ice. Balloon-borne experiments like the Payload for Ultra-high-Energy Observations (PUEO) search for neutrino interactions in the ice and upgoing tau neutrinos from a high altitude. Researchers in the Wissel lab are also exploring novel concepts like the Beamforming Elevated Array for COsmic Neutrinos which searches for upgoing tau neutrinos from a high-elevation mountain. Previous experience in these experiments or related experiments is advantageous, but not required.
The postdoctoral scholar will conduct research on RNO-G, which is under rapid expansion to cover a full 40 km^2. For RNO-G, the Penn State group is responsible for integration, testing, and validation of the data acquisitions systems and contributes to event filtering, both at the hardware and software level. As a part of the RNO-G team, they will contribute to searches for the highest energy neutrinos in the the data as well as instrument calibration and monitoring. The successful candidate may contribute to field deployment, installing and commissioning new stations for the experiment.
Penn State is a vibrant and stimulating environment for particle and multi-messenger astrophysics with ample opportunities for collaboration and career development. The postdoctoral scholar will be embedded within the Particle Astrophysics group and the Center for Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (CMA) at the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos (IGC). Penn State is a leading institution in multi-messenger astrophysics. PSU hosts the Astrophysical Multi-Messenger Observatory Network, strong experimental groups in LIGO, HAWC, Auger, HELIX, LZ, Project8, IceCube, GRAND, and Swift, as well as leading theoretical groups in particle astrophysics, gravitation, and cosmology.
Education and Experience
Applications will be considered from Ph.D. physicists and astronomers with strong backgrounds in particle astrophysics, multi-messenger astrophysics, particle physics, cosmic ray physics, and related fields.
Additional Information
Applications must be submitted electronically and include a CV and brief statement of research interests. Applicants should arrange for three reference letters to be submitted to physicsapply@psu.edu indicating the appropriate job number in the subject line. This is a term appointment funded for one year from date of hire, with possibility of yearly renewal. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found.
Our lab is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion efforts at Penn State and we encourage individuals who identify as members of groups historically underrepresented in STEM to apply.
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.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.
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