Observatory System Postdoc: AI & Instrumentation Lead

jobs; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel support

Conference attendance

Publications support

Advanced AI and data resources access

Job summary

Schmidt Sciences invites applications for the Schmidt Observatory System Postdoctoral Fellows program, a two-year, fixed-term fellowship with potential renewal. Fellows will join the inaugural cohort to develop system architectures, calibrations, and operational strategies for the Schmidt Observatory System.

Based at Schmidt Sciences, fellows collaborate with astronomers, engineers, and leadership; publish scientific results and contribute to software, data tools, and analyses that advance

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Physics, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated research excellence with a strong publication record.
• Ability to work across disciplines and connect scientific questions with technical implementation.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to system-level analyses to improve observatory performance and readiness.
• Develop simulations, models, and tools informing instrument design and observing strategy.
• Translate technical system behavior into quantified scientific impact.
• Produce technical reports, performance forecasts, and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Collaborate across instrumentation, operations, and data systems teams.
• Present work at internal meetings and external conferences.

Education

Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Physics, or closely related field

Tools

AI/ML Approaches

Scientific Software

Pipelines

Job description

Schmidt Sciences invites applications for the Schmidt Observatory System Postdoctoral Fellows program, a two-year, fixed-term fellowship with potential renewal. Fellows will join the inaugural cohort to develop system architectures, calibrations, and operational strategies for the Schmidt Observatory System.

Based at Schmidt Sciences, fellows collaborate with astronomers, engineers, and leadership; publish scientific results and contribute to software, data tools, and analyses that advance