Postdoctoral Research Scholar - Beus Prize Fellow

Open Date: Sep 01, 2026
Deadline: Nov 01, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Job Description

The Beus Center for Cosmic Foundations at Arizona State University invites applications for the postdoctoral research scholar position of Beus Prize Fellow.

The Beus Center for Cosmic Foundations at Arizona State University brings together observational and theoretical astrophysicists, educators, instrument builders, and engineers to advance our understanding of how stars and galaxies form and evolve across cosmic time. By studying the interconnected cycles of stellar birth, evolution, death, and gas recycling—from the first stars and galaxies to the present day—the Center seeks to uncover the processes that shaped the Universe. We are committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative community of early-career scientists whose discoveries will deepen our understanding of the cosmos and expand the societal impact of astrophysical research.

 The Beus Prize Fellowship is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with an anticipated start date in August 2027. The initial appointment is for one year and may be renewed annually for up to two additional years, contingent upon satisfactory performance, university needs, and available resources. The position includes an annual salary of $87,035, discretionary research funds of $17,000 per year, and a $6,000 relocation allowance. More information about the Center and Fellowship can be found at:  https://cosmicfoundations.asu.edu

School of Earth and Space Exploration

The Center is part of the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE), an internationally recognized hub for interdisciplinary research spanning astrophysics, cosmology, astrobiology, planetary and Earth sciences, exploration systems engineering, scientific instrumentation, and STEM education. SESE researchers develop innovative technologies for scientific discovery and have access to world-class observational and computational resources, including the Large Binocular Telescope, MMT Observatory, Magellan Telescopes, and Arizona’s network of 2-meter-class facilities. ASU is a partner in major next-generation observatories and experiments, including the Giant Magellan Telescope, Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array, Simons Observatory, CMB-S4, TolTEC, and a variety of balloon and small-satellite missions. For more information, visit https://sese.asu.edu.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University, committed to improving communities on a local, national and global scale. We support the professional development and growth of our faculty and staff in their cutting-edge research to advance these aims. Within The College, our faculty engage with a large, curious student body, guiding them as they grow into socially aware, critical thinkers and writers able to succeed in a wide range of careers and to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Advancing the success of our students remains our top priority. To learn more about The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please visit https://thecollege.asu.edu.

Arizona State University

ASU exemplifies a new prototype for the American public research university. As articulated in the ASU Charter, ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.

Qualifications

Essential Functions:

• Conduct original research addressing important questions in applicant’s field
• Document findings and publish high-impact results
• Present at scientific meetings
• Engage in research collaborations
• Help enhance the societal impacts of science and engineering through community outreach or other activities

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant subject by time of the appointment, including but not limited to astrophysics, physics, engineering, education, or another related field.
• Candidates must be within four years from receipt of their doctoral degree.

Desired Qualifications:

• A compelling research proposal with the potential to make significant contributions to understanding our cosmic origins. Relevant areas include, but are not limited to:
  • Observational, theoretical, or computational studies of the formation and evolution of stars, galaxies, and their cosmic ecosystems; large-scale structure; the conditions that gave rise to galaxies; and nucleosynthesis and chemical enrichment.
  • Development and application of advanced methods in statistics, data science, numerical simulation, scientific software, and machine learning.
  • Instrumentation and technological innovation, including detectors, interferometers, signal processing, space-based observatories, and related experimental capabilities.
  • Emerging observational approaches such as intensity mapping, time-domain astronomy, and multi-messenger astrophysics.
  • Discipline-based education research related to cosmic origins.
• A demonstrated record of research achievement and scholarly productivity, as evidenced by publications, presentations, software, instrumentation contributions, or other accomplishments that indicate strong potential to carry out the proposed research program.
• Evidence of successful collaboration and teamwork, with the ability to develop new partnerships within the Center and across the broader research community.
• Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to advancing the principles of the ASU Charter through collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

Application Instructions:

The application deadline is November 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following application materials:

●        Cover letter

●        Current curriculum vitae

●        Contact information for three references

●        Research overview not longer than 5 pages (including figures) using 12-point font.  References can extend onto additional pages.  The overview should include:

o   A summary of your current and previous work

o   A research proposal addressing key questions of our cosmic origins that align with the Center and highlights potential collaborations with Center affiliates. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU’s full nondiscrimination statement (ACD 401) is located on the ASU website at https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX.

Clery Act Statement:

 In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.