Joint CUNY - Center for Computational Astrophysics Visiting Scholar

The Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA) is advertising for a Visiting Scholar for a 3-year joint position with the CUNY Graduate Center. The position would require 50% of their time at Flatiron Institute in New York City and 50% their time at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City. After the 3-year term, the Visiting Scholar would be expected to work full-time as a faculty at the CUNY Graduate Center, as described in a companion advertisement from CUNY. Applications to both positions are required, and it is acceptable to submit identical applications to both. However, applicants are welcome to comment on specific synergies with CCA in their cover letter for the Flatiron application.

The CCA is a dynamic, collaborative, flexible research organization with a mission to advance computational methods, tools, and frameworks that allow scientists to interpret large astronomical datasets and to understand complex, multi-scale physics in astrophysical systems. Current research groups at the CCA include: Astronomical Data, Stars & Plasma Astrophysics, Galaxy Formation, Gravitational Wave Astronomy, Cosmology, Machine Learning & Astrophysics, Exoplanets & Planet Formation, Astronomical Software, and Nearby Universe & Milky Way. There are also multiple cross-group collaborations and projects that cross and/or extend beyond these boundaries. Please see https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-astrophysics/ for a full description of research activities at the CCA. CCA scientists are deeply involved in community-building within their research field, the CCA, the Flatiron Institute, and the larger NYC community. Within Flatiron, the CCA benefits from close ties with the Center for Computational Mathematics and superb computational resources and support from the Scientific Computing Core.

As a Visiting Scholar, the successful applicant will be expected to:

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  Lead a vigorous research program;

  
  


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  Collaborate with and mentor the CCA’s postdoctoral Flatiron Research Fellows and students from the CUNY Masters in Astrophysics;

  
  


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  Foster interactions with the broader community (in NYC and beyond) through organizing meetings and workshops;

  
  


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  Build intellectual connections across CCA and the Flatiron Institute and beyond;

  
  


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  Capitalize on the unique opportunities available at the CCA to further the field of computational astrophysics and/or data analysis, including open source projects and data releases.

  
  


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  For reference, the CCA’s Mission Statement reads:

  
  


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  Solve important, hard problems in computational astrophysics

  
  


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  Focus on problems that we at Flatiron are uniquely positioned to solve

  
  


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  Invent and propagate better data-analysis practices, analytical methods, and computational methods for the global astrophysics community, with a focus on rigor

  
  


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  Develop, maintain, and contribute to open-source software packages, open data, and their communities

  
  


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  Create and support a community of astrophysics doers, learners, and mentors in New York City and beyond

  
  


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  Train and launch diverse early-career researchers in astrophysics with unique capabilities in computation methods.

  
  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

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  Leading a research program with broad and significant impact

  
  


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  Mentoring independent postdoctoral fellows and CUNY Masters in Astrophysics candidates

  
  


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  Contributing to the scientific strategy, management, and organization of the CCA

  
  


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  Fostering scientific communities within CCA, Flatiron, NYC, and beyond.

  
  

ducation: Ph.D. degree in a related field

A preferred candidate should have:

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  1 or more years of postgraduate research experience in astrophysics, with research interests and/or skills that overlap or enhance CCA-relevant interests, broadly defined.

  
  


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  Sufficient breadth and flexibility to collaborate broadly within the CCA and especially with its independent postdoctoral fellows.

  
  


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  Evidence for scientific impact, assessed in appropriate ways for stage of career and methodology.

  
  


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  Demonstrated ability and interest in supervising, mentoring, and collaborating with junior scientists from a variety of backgrounds.

  
  


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  Alignment with multiple aspects of the CCA mission statement.

  
  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The annual compensation range for this 0.5 Full time equivalent position is $70,000 in addition to the CUNY Graduate Center faculty salary.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

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  CV

  
  


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  Cover letter

  
  


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  Research statement outlining both past research accomplishments and a vision for scientific research

  
  


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  Teaching and mentorship philosophy statement for graduate education

  
  


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  Contact information for three (3) professional references (name, title, institution, and email address)

  
  

Applicants to this position must submit applications both to CUNY and to CCA. The same application can be submitted for the faculty position at the Graduate Center and for the Visiting Scholar position at CCA. However, applicants are welcome to comment on specific synergies with CCA in their cover letter for the Flatiron application.

THE SIMONS FOUNDATION'S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law