The Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks recent Ph.D. scientists for postdoctoral fellowships in astrophysics and cosmology. The positions offer opportunities to develop innovative and independent research programs in these areas using computational, experimental, observational, and theoretical approaches. Existing research programs at KIPAC include studies of dark energy, cosmic dynamics, structure formation, galaxy formation, the physics of inflation, studies of and searches for dark matter, interstellar medium physics, multi-messenger astrophysics, and studies of black holes, compact objects, galaxies, clusters of galaxies, the Milky Way, stars, and other astrophysical sources.

KIPAC members are involved in several experiments and survey projects. KIPAC is active in cosmic surveys including DES, DESI, Euclid, and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space & Time (LSST). Activities in Rubin/LSST include the construction and integration of the LSST camera, leadership of the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration, management of the Rubin US Data Facility, and operation of the Rubin Observatory system. KIPAC is playing a leading role in: CMB experiments including BICEP/Keck Array, the South Pole Telescope, the Atacama Cosmology Telescope, LiteBIRD, Ali, Simons Observatory and Advanced Simons Observatory, and planning for CMB-S4; dark matter experiments including LZ, SuperCDMS, and hidden photon dark matter searches with DM Radio and axion-like dark matter with CASPEr; gamma-ray and X-ray observatories including the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, NuSTAR, IXPE (X-ray polarization), the future Athena and Lynx missions, and probe-class X-ray missions concepts; simulations and planning for the Nancy Grace Roman mission; millimeter-wave line intensity mapping with SPT-SLIM and COMAP; high energy density laboratory astrophysics, and studies of our Sun with the Solar Dynamics Observatory.

KIPAC offers access to excellent laboratory facilities for instrument development and significant computational resources for theoretical astrophysics research and data analysis. Postdoctoral fellows will have the opportunity to apply for time on the Magellan telescopes through KIPAC. KIPAC also provides the opportunity to participate in cross-disciplinary activities through Stanford Data Science, Human-Centered AI, and the SLAC Machine Learning Program. The positions offer excellent benefits (https://postdocbenefits.stanford.edu ) and competitive salary, in the range of 72-86K depending on position and experience, and are generally made for a term of three years. Each year we appoint a Kavli Fellow and a Porat Fellow; these independent fellowships include additional funds to support research and travel expenses.

KIPAC typically appoints up to 10 postdoctoral fellows per year, and applicants will be considered for all available postdoctoral positions at KIPAC including the Kavli, Porat, and KIPAC Rubin Fellowships, as well as positions with individual faculty and research groups. Additional opportunities with PIs at KIPAC, as well as other opportunities at Stanford and SLAC are also listed on our webpage here: https://kipac.stanford.edu/join-us/postdoctoral-opportunities-kipac .

Candidates should have a recent Ph.D. in astronomy or physics (generally granted in 2021 or later) or expect to receive the degree prior to starting their appointment. Application materials should be submitted at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25538 . Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae including a publication list, a 3-page statement of research interests and plans, and arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation submitted to the same site. We encourage applicants to follow the structure of the AAS advice on the contents of CVs and research statements given here: https://jobregister.aas.org/postdoc-application-guidelines . Applicants are welcome to strengthen their application with an additional statement (up to one page) that discusses their experience with or commitment to engaging in mentoring, outreach, teaching, public policy, fostering inclusive environments, or activities that broaden participation in the field. When you submit your application, you’ll be asked to indicate your interest in each of the available KIPAC opportunities, and you may expand on this in your research statement or a cover letter.

The deadline for applications is Friday November 3, 2023 (by midnight Eastern Time). Late applications may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. More information about KIPAC can be found at http://kipac.stanford.edu . KIPAC is committed to an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from candidates who will diversify the workforce in astrophysics and cosmology. More information about Stanford’s ongoing commitment to an equitable and inclusive environment can be found at ideal.stanford.edu.