The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) appreciates your interest in employment. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:  

• Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.  
• Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.  
• Please note that applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.  If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or unlvjobs@unlv.edu.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Postdoctoral Scholar in Star and Planet Formation Theory, Department of Physics and Astronomy [R0149761].

ROLE of the POSITION

The postdoctoral scholar will work with Professor Zhaohuan Zhu to carry out Hydrodynamic, MHD, Radiation-MHD simulations, or simulations with simple chemistry on the inner protoplanetary disks and study various processes during planet formation. Previous experience in numerically related research (including but not limited to, hydrodynamics, MHD, radiation HD, dust dynamics, radiative transfer, disk chemistry) is preferred. 

PROFILE of the DEPARTMENT

The Nevada Center for Astrophysics and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UNLV has an active astrophysics research group with research interests that include exoplanets and planet formation, high energy astrophysics, accretion disks, gamma ray bursts, galactic and extragalactic astronomy, and laboratory astrophysics. The qualified applicant will also be considered for the postdoctoral fellow of the Nevada Center for Astrophysics (NCfA).

PROFILE of the OFFICE OF POSTDOCTORAL AFFAIRS (OPA)

The mission of the UNLV Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is to enhance and support postdoctoral training and career development; serve as the central resource office for postdoctoral questions and issues for faculty, supervisors, mentors, and prospective and current postdocs; build a community for all UNLV postdocs; and provide professional development programs and networking events for postdocs.

UNLV currently employs postdoctoral scholars across a wide range of disciplines. Learn more about UNLV’s postdoctoral scholars.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a Ph.D. in Astronomy or Astronomy related fields from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).   The scholar is expected to carry out original research work, publish regularly in refereed professional journals and to help with writing grant proposals. Credentials must be obtained prior to the start date.

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY and CAMPUS VALUES

A successful candidate will support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and contribute to a respectful, positive work environment. They will use our Campus Values to guide their decisions and actions and demonstrate our Rebel spirit.

SALARY

Salary range is $42,800 - $75,000, or commensurate with labor market and appointing authority’s availability of funds. Position is contingent upon funding.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNLV

• Competitive total rewards package including:
  • Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
  • Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision
  • Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs
• No state income tax
• Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools
• Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents

PERKS & PROGRAMS

• Employee recognition and appreciation programs
• UNLV athletics ticket discounts
• Statewide employee purchase program discounts
• RebelCard discounts on and off campus
• Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost
• Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles
• Connect with colleagues with shared interests
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• A comprehensive onboarding program, Rebels: Onboard
• Support and resources available for veteran applicants — contact vetjobseekers@unlv.edu or visit our Veterans Webpage.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance.

Application materials must include a 1) curriculum vitae and publication list, 2) research statement (four-page limit), 3) the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references who may be contacted. Materials should be addressed to Dr. Zhaohuan Zhu, Search Committee Chair, and are to be submitted online as we do not accept emailed materials.

Although this position will remain open until filled, review of candidates’ materials will begin on Jan 9, 2026.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Workday. Please note that emailed materials will not be accepted.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. UNLV values the skills of those who have served. Learn more at Veterans Webpage or contact vetjobseekers@unlv.edu for support.

For assistance with the application process, please review instructions on How to Apply. For further assistance contact UNLV Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or UNLVJobs@unlv.edu.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

UNLV employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Find Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at UNLV and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, “R0149761” in the search box.

If you complete an application outside of the internal application process, your application will be returned and you will have to reapply as an internal applicant which may delay your application.

PROFILE of the UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1957, UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution comprised of approximately 30,000 students and more than 3,600 faculty and staff. To date, UNLV has conferred more than 152,000 degrees, producing more than 130,000 alumni around the world. UNLV is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as an R1 research university with very high research activity, and is a recipient of the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. The university is committed to recruiting and retaining top students and faculty, educating the region's diversifying population and workforce, driving economic activity through increased research and community partnerships, and creating an academic health center for Southern Nevada that includes the launch of a new UNLV School of Medicine. UNLV is located on a 332-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in Southern Nevada.

Here at UNLV, we have come together and created one of the most affirmative and dynamic academic environments in the country. UNLV sits in the top spot in U.S. News & World Report's annual listing of the nation's most diverse universities for undergraduates. The university has ranked in the top ten since the rankings debuted more than a decade ago. We continue to show our commitment to serving our wonderfully diverse population and building the future for Las Vegas and Nevada.

For more information, visit us on line at: http://www.unlv.edu

EEO/AA STATEMENT

The University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV) is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes). Discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including unlawful harassment, which is a form of discrimination, is illegal under federal and state law. Where unlawful discrimination is found to have occurred, UNLV will act to stop the unlawful discrimination, to prevent its recurrence, to remedy its effects, and to discipline those responsible. Women, minorities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Information pertaining to the University’s grievance procedures and grievance process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and how the University will respond can be found online at the Office of Equal Employment & Title IX webpage.

SAFETY AND SECURITY STATEMENT

UNLV is committed to assisting all members of the UNLV community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report compliance document is available online.

JOB CATEGORY

Postdoctoral Scholar

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance.

Application materials must include a 1) curriculum vitae and publication list, 2) research statement (four-page limit), 3) the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references who may be contacted. Materials should be addressed to Dr. Zhaohuan Zhu, Search Committee Chair, and are to be submitted online as we do not accept emailed materials.