The Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (KICP) at the University of Chicago would like to invite applications for the KICP Postdoctoral Research Fellowship program. Scientists receiving a PhD in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, or related fields between June 2022 and September 2026 are welcome to apply. Successful applicants will conduct original research in experimental, observational, numerical, or theoretical cosmological physics, broadly defined. KICP Fellows are appointed to renewable one-year terms, for up to three years. Our positions carry a salary and benefits package comparable to other prize fellowships. The expected salary range for this position is $73,000-80,000.
KICP Fellows are an integral part of the KICP community. The KICP is an interdisciplinary environment that brings together physicists and astronomers who range from experimentalists to observers, simulators, and theorists, to stimulate new ideas and push the forefront of cosmological research. Current topics of research in the institute include: the inflationary era; dark energy; dark matter; experimental and theoretical studies of the CMB; analysis of cosmological data including CMB, large-scale structure surveys (especially the Dark Energy Survey), and type Ia supernova; gravitational lensing and gravitational-wave studies; observational cosmology; experimental and theoretical particle astrophysics; near-field cosmology, and direct and indirect detection of dark matter. The KICP has an active program of visitors, symposia, and meetings as well as Education and Outreach opportunities. All members of the KICP are expected to adhere to our Community Values. Information about the KICP can be found at the KICP website.
To apply for a KICP Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, please complete the online application form at Academic Jobs Online (AJO). Requested information includes email contact information for 3 references who can independently write a letter of support for the applicant. Supplemental materials (Cover Letter; Curriculum Vitae; Research Statement - a one to three page document of your research accomplishments and plans; List of Publications) should be submitted as PDF files on the application form.
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Smith at jmsmith@uchicago.edu.
The positions will remain open until filled; however applicants are strongly encouraged to submit application by October 31, 2025 and ensure that 3 letters of recommendation are received by November 15, 2025. Review of applications will begin November 17, 2025. The positions are expected to begin in the Fall of 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.
Postdoctoral Fellowships in Cosmology & Astrophysics
In addition to the KICP fellowship, there are many other fellowship opportunities for postdoctoral fellows to work with KICP members and spend part or all of their time in KICP. These opportunities arise through the connections and overlap between KICP and departments and other institutes at UChicago, through the deep connections between KICP and Fermilab or Argonne, or through national or international fellowship programs through various agencies. These include:
- McCormick, Fermi, and Oehme Fellowships in the Enrico Fermi Institute at UChicago,
- Grainger Fellowship at UChicago
- Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at UChicago
- Kadanoff Center Fellowship in theoretical physics at UChicago
- Lederman and Schramm Theoretical and Schramm Experimental Fellowships at Fermilab
- Maria Goeppert Mayer and Walter Massey Fellowships at Argonne
- NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship
- NSF Office of Polar Programs Fellowship
- NASA Einstein and Hubble Fellowships
- Brinson Fellowship in observational cosmology
The University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute, in partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), and the US National Science Foundation and Simons Foundation-funded National AI Institute for the Sky ("SkAI Institute") invites applications for the position of the University of Chicago (UChicago) SkAI Data Science Preceptorship with a focus on teaching and scholarship in the area of Astronomy and AI . The UChicago and CCC Preceptorship program develops the next generation of teaching academics for data science and astronomy education. This unique program emphasizes pedagogical best practices and allows Preceptors the opportunity to broaden their classroom skills and enhance their teaching and scholarship portfolios with the support of UChicago and CCC faculty mentorship. UChicago is recruiting Preceptors with an Astronomy and AI focus to co-develop new Astro-AI curriculum and teach courses at UChicago, CCC, and other SkAI partner institutions.
The initial appointment is expected to begin September 1, 2026. Preceptors will work side by side with faculty from UChicago and CCC on teaching and developing course materials. Professional development training will be provided by both the UChicago and CCC faculty. Preceptors will gain experience teaching across learning environments with opportunities to engage with UChicago and CCC students in STEM courses. The teaching obligation is expected to be 2 one-quarter courses at UChicago and 2 one-semester courses at CCC per academic year. This role includes dedicated time for research and scholarship activities. This position also includes structured professional development, administrative duties and student mentoring activities.
The position is for an initial two-year appointment with a renewal for a third year possible.
This position is benefits eligible. For information on benefits, please consult the University of Chicago Benefits Guide: https://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/benefits-guide/.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in data science, mathematics, statistics, computer science, biology, physics, astronomy, astrophysics, or other closely related fields to data science.
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted online through: https://apply.interfolio.com/175201.
Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2025, and will continue until all available positions are filled.
Required materials are:
(a) a cover letter,
(b) a curriculum vitae,
(c) two or more letters of reference, at least one of which must address teaching ability, and a
(d) teaching statement (description of teaching and mentoring philosophy and experience).
Optional materials: course evaluations from courses previously taught.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.