The Carnegie Science Observatories in Pasadena, CA invites applications for one of several open Postdoctoral Fellow positions focused on observations and/or modeling at the intersection of galaxies, massive stars, and low-metallicity gas across cosmic time, to start nominally in Fall 2027 or potentially as early as January 2027 as funding and availability allow. The annual salary for these positions will start at $87,500 for the first year; the initial appointment will be for a two-year term with a possible extension to a third year, and will include support for relocation expenses, travel, computing, and publications.
The Postdoctoral Fellow(s) will work with Dr. Peter Senchyna and collaborators on research projects potentially including spectroscopic and photometric observations and modeling of high-redshift galaxies, blue compact dwarf and other nearby galaxies, and resolved/semi-resolved stars and interstellar gas in the local volume. The Fellow(s) will have access to a wide range of data, from deep rest-UV continuum spectroscopy of galaxies in the reionization era to high-resolution optical IFU observations of ionized gas in the nearest extremely metal-poor star-forming galaxies, and will be encouraged to lead research programs building on such data and themes in collaboration with other team members. Experience working with observations and/or modeling of star-forming galaxies, massive stars, and/or the interstellar medium is preferred, but interested candidates with backgrounds in related research areas are encouraged to apply.
Carnegie Science owns and operates the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, which includes the twin 6.5-meter Magellan telescopes, the 2.5-meter du Pont telescope (currently dedicated to Sloan Digital Sky Survey-V observations), and the 1.0-meter Swope telescope. Carnegie is also a full institutional member of SDSS-V. Based in Pasadena, between the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology, the Observatories provide an exceptional research environment and access to resources for theorists, observers, and instrumentalists alike. Scientific computing at Carnegie is supported by our 19% share in the Resnick HPC Center at Caltech in addition to local computing resources. Fellows will have access to dedicated computational facilities and Carnegie observing facilities on the same basis as the scientific staff.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field at the time of the start of the position. The principal selection criteria will be relevant experience and interests, impact of past and current research, and evidence of the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Applications for this position should include: 1) a cover letter expressing the candidate’s background and interest in the position, 2) a curriculum vitae including a list of publications; 3) a brief description of research experience and interests (2-3 pages). In addition, applicants should provide names and email addresses for three individuals willing to provide a letter of reference.
For full consideration, please submit your application by December 4. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please direct any questions to Dr. Peter Senchyna at psenchyna@carnegiescience.edu.
Carnegie Institution for Science has a long-standing commitment to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Carnegie scientists are leaders in the fields of plant biology, developmental biology, Earth & planetary science, astronomy, and global ecology. They seek answers to questions about the structure of the universe; the formation of our Solar System and other planetary systems; the behavior and transformation of matter when subjected to extreme conditions; the origin of life; the effects of climate change on forests, oceans, and other habitats; the function of plant, animal, and microbial genomes; and the development of organisms from single-celled eggs to adults.
Andrew Carnegie founded our organization in 1902 as a place for scientific discovery. His intention was for the institution to be home to exceptional individuals—men and women with imagination and extraordinary dedication capable of working at the cutting edge of their fields.
We are headquartered in Washington, D.C. and have three scientific divisions split between the coasts, as well as observatories in Chile. We are an endowed, independent, nonprofit institution. Significant additional support comes from federal grants and private donations. A board of trustees, consisting of leaders in business, the sciences, education, and public service, oversees Carnegie’s operations. Each of division has its own scientific director who manages under the leadership of President Eric Isaacs.
