Postdoc: Space Instrument Modeling & Digital Twin

Inside Higher Ed; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 66,737 - 74,425; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop forward modeling software for a new astronomical spectrograph. Applicants should hold a PhD in physics or astrophysics and possess strong programming skills, preferably in Python. The position offers a salary range of $66,737–$74,425 and requires full-time dedication. Applications are accepted until October 31, 2025, with an anticipated start date in Fall 2025.

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills for scientific computing and simulation.
• Demonstrated expertise in optical modeling, thermal analysis, or data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop forward modeling software to simulate the spectrograph’s behavior.
• Design and execute a characterization and calibration plan for the instrument.
• Collaborate on creating a digital twin of the system.

Skills

Programming skills (e.g., Python)

Familiarity with machine learning techniques

Experience with space-based instrumentation

Optical modeling

Thermal analysis

Data analysis

Education

PhD or equivalent international degree

Enrolled in PhD program

Job description

A leading educational institution is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop forward modeling software for a new astronomical spectrograph. Applicants should hold a PhD in physics or astrophysics and possess strong programming skills, preferably in Python. The position offers a salary range of $66,737–$74,425 and requires full-time dedication. Applications are accepted until October 31, 2025, with an anticipated start date in Fall 2025.