Job Details

Postdoctoral Position in 21-cm Hydrogen Low Radio Frequency Cosmology

Position Number: 6432295
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Astronomy and Astrophysics

Postdoctoral Position in 21-cm Hydrogen Low Radio Frequency Cosmology

Requisition Number: 65931
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 10-Aug-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position to work on highly redshifted 21-cm Dark Ages cosmology using NASA low frequency radio telescopes on the Moon's far side. The research will take place at the Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy at the University of Colorado Boulder with Professor Emeritus Jack Burns. In this position, the candidate will conduct research related to observations and modeling of low frequency (1-50 MHz) observations from the Moon using the LuSEE-Night radio telescope to be deployed on the Moon by the NASA-funded commercial lunar lander in the second quarter of 2026 (https://arxiv.org/abs/2301.10345). Secondarily, the candidate will work on the design, modeling, and science goals for the FarView lunar far side radio array and its precursors (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273117724003405). CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy (CASA) is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the Universe in which we live through observations and theory. Founded in 1985, CASA is an affiliated unit within the structure of the Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences (APS) Department at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The applicant will work collaboratively with Professor Burns, Dr. David Rapetti (at NASA Ames Research Center), and with Colorado graduate students to build an understanding of the evolution of the first structures in the early Universe.
New ideas and research proposals in the field of early galaxy evolution are also encouraged.

What We Can Offer

The position includes a competitive salary (starting range $65,000-70,000), travel funds, and access to telescope and supercomputing facilities. You can expect to collaborate with a group of scientists that will celebrate strengths, value diverse perspectives, and work to ensure an equitable scholarly experience for all.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy or related field at the start of the position.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV that includes all relevant experience and a list of publications.
Cover letter explaining your interest in this position.
Statement of Research Philosophy: A brief [up to 2 pages] statement of your scholarly interests and how you would contribute to our research program on 21-cm Hydrogen Cosmology.

You will be asked to enter contact information for three references, and we will request letters of recommendation immediately upon application.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
Please apply by August, 10, 2025 for consideration. Questions can be directed to Jack Burns. jack.burns@colorado.edu.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Postdoctoral-Position-in-21-cm-Hydrogen-Low-Radio-Frequency-Cosmology/65931