Research Fellow - Astrophysics
Job Description and Requirements
Research Fellow - AstrophysicsJob Snapshot
Role: Research Fellow - Astrophysics
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Experience: PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or closely related field
Job Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Research Fellow - Astrophysics in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is a specialized Higher Education research opportunity for an early-career scientist working in extrasolar planets, galactic astrophysics, extragalactic astrophysics, cosmology, astroparticle physics, dark matter searches, gamma-ray spectroscopy, or gravitational waves. This role offers independent research scope within the Center for Astrophysics and Space Science at New York University Abu Dhabi, with access to advanced computing resources, observing facilities, collaborative research networks, and dedicated academic support.
Job Details
Country: United Arab Emirates
City: Abu Dhabi
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Salary: 22000-35000
Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in the job city; please confirm the final offer with the employer.
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Role Context
The Research Fellow - Astrophysics will join the Center for Astrophysics and Space Science at NYU Abu Dhabi to pursue independent research while strengthening connections across the center’s main scientific areas. The role is designed for a PhD-qualified researcher who can contribute to high-level work in astrophysics, astroparticle physics, planetary physics, theoretical studies, numerical simulations, observational data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The selected fellow will help bridge research themes across planets, galaxies, compact objects, cosmology, visible and invisible matter, and high-energy astrophysical phenomena.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct independent research in one or more CASS research areas, including extrasolar planets, galactic astrophysics, extragalactic astrophysics, cosmology, or astroparticle physics.
* Develop original research projects that contribute to fundamental questions in astrophysics, planetary physics, and the physics of the Universe.
* Analyze state-of-the-art observational data related to visible matter, dark matter, compact objects, galaxies, planets, or high-energy astrophysical sources.
* Carry out theoretical, computational, or numerical research using advanced models, simulations, and large-scale computing resources.
* Use available high-performance computing infrastructure, including the Jubail 70000-core Infiniband Cluster, GPU-based clusters, and other supercomputing facilities through the CASS network.
* Build collaborations across different research areas within the Center for Astrophysics and Space Science.
* Contribute to stronger connections between observational, theoretical, numerical, planetary, galactic, cosmological, and astroparticle research programs.
* Use or support research linked to observing facilities such as the Green Bank Telescope, the Very Long Baseline Array, Las Cumbres Observatory, and SDSS-V participation.
* Prepare high-quality manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences, seminars, and academic workshops.
* Participate actively in CASS research discussions, scientific meetings, seminars, and collaborative project planning.
* Contribute to the center’s international research visibility through publications, conference participation, and academic networking.
* Use dedicated research funds responsibly for travel, computing, publication, and project-related needs.
* Maintain accurate research documentation, reproducible analysis workflows, data products, code, and publication records.
* Support a vibrant research culture among faculty members, researchers, PhD students, and visiting scholars.
Ideal Profile
* PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a closely related field.
* Candidate should be within the first 5 years after receiving the PhD.
* Strong research background in one or more areas such as extrasolar planets, compact objects, galactic astrophysics, extragalactic astrophysics, cosmology, dark matter searches, gamma-ray spectroscopy, gravitational waves, or astroparticle physics.
* Ability to develop and lead independent research projects with clear scientific direction.
* Strong interest in connecting different areas of astrophysics, astroparticle physics, and planetary physics.
* Experience with observational data analysis, theoretical modeling, numerical simulations, or high-performance computing is valuable.
* Strong publication record or clear potential for producing high-quality peer-reviewed research.
* Ability to collaborate with faculty, researchers, PhD students, and international scientific partners.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills for manuscripts, research statements, presentations, and collaborative work.
* Ability to prepare a research statement explaining how the candidate will connect different CASS research areas.
* Preferred availability to start in Fall 2026.
* Ability to submit required documents, including cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication list, research statement, transcript, and three recommendation letters.
Skills Set
* Astrophysics
* Astronomy research
* Extrasolar planets
* Galactic astrophysics
* Compact objects
* Extragalactic astrophysics
* Cosmology
* Astroparticle physics
* Dark matter searches
* Gamma-ray spectroscopy
* Gravitational waves
* Planetary physics
* Observational data analysis
* Theoretical modeling
* Numerical simulations
* High-performance computing
* GPU-based computing
* Supercomputing research
* Green Bank Telescope research
* Very Long Baseline Array research
* Las Cumbres Observatory research
* SDSS-V research
* Scientific programming
* Research collaboration
* Peer-reviewed publication writing
* Conference presentation
* Academic networking
* Research statement development
Why Join Us
This role is an excellent opportunity for a Research Fellow - Astrophysics seeking independence, visibility, and strong research infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. The appointment begins with an initial two-year period and is likely to extend to a total of three years, giving the selected fellow time to develop a meaningful research agenda. The position provides access to major computing facilities, observing resources, dedicated research funds for travel and publications, and a growing scientific community of faculty, researchers, and PhD students. It is a strong platform for an early-career astrophysicist who wants to build international collaborations and contribute to high-impact discovery within the Higher Education sector.
About the Company
New York University Abu Dhabi is a globally connected research university in the UAE, supporting advanced scholarship across science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Through the Center for Astrophysics and Space Science, NYU Abu Dhabi provides an interdisciplinary research environment focused on astrophysics, astroparticle physics, planetary physics, cosmology, high-performance computing, and observational astronomy. The university offers a strong academic platform for researchers working on fundamental questions about planets, galaxies, compact objects, dark matter, and the Universe from Abu Dhabi.



