Observatory Systems Postdoc - Astrophysics & AI

Schmidt Entities; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel support

Conference attendance

Computing resources

AI/data resources access

Job summary

Schmidt Sciences invites applications for the Schmidt Observatory System Postdoctoral Fellows program, a two-year fixed-term fellowship embedded within the Schmidt Observatory System. Fellows contribute to system design, calibration, and science goals, with opportunities to shape decisions as observatories progress.

The program emphasizes technical development, scientific analysis, and close collaboration with senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Physics, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated research excellence with strong publication record.
• Ability to work across disciplines in a fast-paced collaborative environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Interest in system-level problems and observatory-scale challenges.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to system‑level analyses that improve observatory performance, calibration, and readiness.
• Develop simulations, models, and tools for instrument design and observational strategy.
• Translate technical system behavior into quantified scientific impact.
• Collaborate across instrumentation, operations, and data systems teams.
• Present work at internal meetings and external conferences.

Education

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

Tools

AI/ML

Instrumentation

Data systems

Simulation

Observational astronomy

Job description

Schmidt Sciences invites applications for the Schmidt Observatory System Postdoctoral Fellows program, a two-year fixed-term fellowship embedded within the Schmidt Observatory System. Fellows contribute to system design, calibration, and science goals, with opportunities to shape decisions as observatories progress.

The program emphasizes technical development, scientific analysis, and close collaboration with senior leadership.