Post-Doctoral Associate (Scarlata) (# 370781)

TopSciNet; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid holidays

Medical plans

Dental plans

Pharmacy plans

HSAs

Disability Insurance

Wellbeing programs

Professional development

Job summary

University of Minnesota invites a Postdoctoral Associate to advance the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's Galaxy Redshift Survey. The role emphasizes end-to-end simulations, mock catalogs, program optimization, and handling systematics.

The candidate will publish results, mentor graduate students, and collaborate with IPAC Caltech, with a two-year, grant-funded appointment and potential renewal.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in large-scale data science and machine learning applications.
• Proven leadership in coordinating research groups and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• 50% - Support simulation development and catalog preparation for the Roman GRS project.
• 30% - Conduct independent astrophysics research and mentor students.
• 20% - Engage in dissemination, meetings, and project reporting.

Skills

Data science

Machine learning

Leadership

Mentoring

Independent work

Education

PhD in Physics/Astronomy

Job description

Post-Doctoral Associate (Scarlata) (# 370781)

University of Minnesota Twin Cities, MN - USA

University of Minnesota Twin Cities, MN USA Posted Nov 05, 2025 Due Oct 23, 2026

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Type: Full-Time
Salary: $61,008 - $67,000 per year
Posted: October 23, 2025
Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Job ID: 370781
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

About the Job

The University of Minnesota seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to support the infrastructure and research for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's Galaxy Redshift Survey (GRS) team. This role focuses on simulation and analysis work essential to the survey’s success, including:

End-to-end grism simulations and realistic mock catalogs.

Modeling and optimization of the observing program.

Developing strategies to model and mitigate observational systematics.

Delivering high-level data products and documentation for community use.

The position aims to enable robust BAO and RSD measurements from Roman GRS data and to create value-added datasets for public dissemination.

The researcher will work under the supervision of Dr. Claudia Scarlata (Physics and Astronomy) and collaborate closely with PIT team members at IPAC (Caltech). The successful candidate will also mentor graduate students and engage in team coordination and dissemination activities.

This is a grant-funded, two-year appointment with potential for renewal contingent upon future funding.

Responsibilities

50% - Support simulation development and value-added catalog preparation for the Roman GRS project.

30% - Conduct independent astrophysics research; publish in peer-reviewed journals; mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

20% - Participate in communication, dissemination, and professional development activities, including representing the PIT team at meetings and contributing to project reports.

Additional duties of a similar scope may be assigned.

Note: H-1B sponsorship may be available for eligible candidates currently in the U.S.

Qualifications

Required

Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field.

Demonstrated experience in large-scale data science and machine learning applications.

Proven leadership in organizing or coordinating research groups (e.g., leading working groups, coding sprints, or workshops).

Strong publication record and evidence of mentoring ability.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse, interdisciplinary team.

Preferred

Experience applying machine learning in astrophysical research.

Interest in citizen science and public engagement.

Strong organizational, writing, and presentation skills.

Demonstrated creativity and self-motivation.

Willingness to travel to Pasadena, CA for collaboration purposes.

Pay Range: $65,000 - $70,000 per year (depending on education and experience)

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary and paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Employee Wellbeing and Assistance Programs (including free counseling).
• Financial counseling and professional development opportunities.

Diversity Statement

The University of Minnesota is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from consideration.

About the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

UMTC is one of the largest public research universities in the U.S., located in Minneapolis-St. Paul, a hub of innovation, diversity, and opportunity. The university partners with world-renowned institutions, corporations, and organizations to foster impactful research and education.

Recognition:

Star Tribune Top Workplace (2021)

Forbes Best Employers for Women, Diversity, and New Grads (2018-2023)

Forbes Best Employer by State (2019, 2022)