Postdoctoral Fellowship in Stellar Astrophysics at Villanova University – Villanova, Pennsylvania

Villanova University
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Stellar Astrophysics

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section) Posting Number:20251202FPosition Title:Postdoctoral Fellowship in Stellar AstrophysicsPosition Type:FacultyLocation:Villanova, PARecruitment Type:Internal/External ApplicantsWork Schedule:full-time/12-monthsDepartment:182-Astronomy and Planetary SciencePosition Summary:Villanova University’s Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science invites applications for the Mendel Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. The Mendel Fellowship is a flagship postdoctoral opportunity for candidates seeking to advance their academic careers. The fellowship provides comprehensive training and development in research, teaching, and service. The successful applicant will join Dr. Kelly Hambleton’s research group and work on cutting-edge projects in binary systems and asteroseismology. Current topics of interest include solar-like oscillators in binary systems, tidally excited pulsations, and RR Lyrae stars. Our research extensively utilizes data from Kepler, TESS, and Gaia, and we are actively involved in the Rubin LSST’s Transiting and Variable Science Collaboration.

Alongside research, the fellow will teach undergraduate core science courses/labs for non-STEM majors, focusing on integrating problem-solving, laboratory experience, technology, quantitative tools, and interdisciplinary understanding. The fellow will also actively engage in departmental activities, contributing to research and education initiatives that shape the department’s future.

The Mendel Postdoctoral Fellowship is a 2-year appointment with the possibility of extension for an additional year.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:The successful applicant will:

• Uphold and contribute to the department’s culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, demonstrating respect for all students, staff, and faculty.
• Conduct state-of-the-art research in computational stellar astrophysics.
• Teach two sections of Mendel core science courses or labs per semester (current courses include “How Old is the Universe?”, “Life in the Universe”, “Planetary Skies and Landscapes”, “Birth and Death of Stars”, “Earth: Our Habitable World”, and “Earth: A Cosmic Connection”).
• Mentor undergraduate students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.
• Participate in departmental affairs such as meetings, colloquia, public events, and outreach initiatives, contributing to the department’s reputation locally, nationally, and internationally.

Minimum Qualifications:A Ph.D. in Physics, Astrophysics, Data Science, or a closely related discipline is required.
Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to inclusive environments in research, teaching, or outreach.
• Experience advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within academic or professional settings.
• Prior experience teaching STEM courses to non-STEM majors.
• Strong background in physics, astrophysics, statistics, and programming.
• Experience mentoring students or junior researchers, particularly from underrepresented groups.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours: Special Message to Applicants:Villanova University is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment and strongly encourages individuals from historically underrepresented groups in STEM to apply. Applications will be reviewed starting March 1, 2025, but will be accepted until the position is filled.

Required Application Materials:

1. A cover letter expressing interest in the position.
2. A current and complete CV.
3. A research statement (2-page maximum).
4. A teaching statement (2-page maximum).
5. A statement on your contribution to University’s mission reflecting on how your teaching, research and service contributes to the University’s value orientation as discussed in the University’s mission (and enduring principles).
6. Two letters of recommendation (the system will request these directly from referees).

Optional Supporting Documents:

Applicants may submit additional documents relevant to their application, such as examples of outreach activities, teaching evaluations, or publications.

Why Villanova University?

Villanova University fosters an inclusive academic environment where scholars from all backgrounds can thrive. The Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science is part of a vibrant academic and regional community dedicated to fostering belonging, supporting underrepresented groups in STEM, and advancing cutting-edge research. In addition to becoming a member of the Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science, the successful applicant will become part of the newly established Villanova One Sky Center for Astrophysics, an interdisciplinary center devoted to advancing equity in astrophysics. We further provide mentoring and professional development opportunities through university-wide initiatives including VISIBLE: Villanova Initiative to Support Inclusiveness and Build Leaders.

About the Fellowship:

The Mendel Postdoctoral Fellowship offers competitive salary with travel funds and benefits, access to professional development workshops, and opportunities to collaborate within a supportive academic community. Fellows will have access to resources that enhance research and teaching excellence, preparing them for the next stage of their academic careers.
Posting Date:01/31/2025Closing Date (11:59pm ET):03/15/2025Salary Posting Information: CompetitiveSalary Band:Job Classification:facultyReferences Needed References Needed Minimum Number of References Needed2Maximum Number of References Needed3Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
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Documents needed to complete your application:Required Documents

1. Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
2. Resume / Curriculum Vitae
3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
4. Transcripts
5. Statement of Research Interests

Optional Documents

1. Other Document