Postdoctoral Employee - Physics/Astrophysics - Physics Department

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

Position Overview

Saul Perlmutter is Professor of Physics at UC Berkeley and Senior Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), where he is the leader of the international Supernova Cosmology Project, among other initiatives. This postdoctoral position will work with research scientists, engineers, and data scientists and other scholars within his academic and research communities. We are seeking one or more applicants to develop forward modeling software and a characterization and calibration plan for a new space‑based astronomical image slicing spectrograph. The goal is to create and apply a 'digital twin' of the as‑built system to simulate and optimize its performance.

Key Responsibilities

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

Salary & Position Details

Salary range: The UC postdoc salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/oct-2024-scales/t23.pdf. The current minimum salary range for this position is $66,737‑$74,425. Salaries above the minimum may be offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Fall 2025

Position duration: 2 years with possibility of extension

Application Window

Open date: August 13, 2025

Final date: Friday, Oct 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Union

https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/postdoctoral-scholars/contract/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application): PhD or equivalent international degree, or enrolled in a PhD or equivalent international degree granting program.

Additional Qualifications (required at time of start): PhD or equivalent international degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in physics or astrophysics field.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python) for scientific computing and simulation.
• Familiarity with machine learning (ML) techniques for optimizing models or analyzing complex datasets.
• Experience with space-based instrumentation or similar high‑precision systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  1) Optical modeling: Ray‑trace optics, diffractive optics, and stray light analysis.
  2) Thermal analysis: Thermal emission modeling and its impact on instrument performance.
  3) Detector systems: Characterization and modeling of HxRG detector readout schemes and analysis protocols.
  4) Data analysis: Experience with instrumentation data analysis software and algorithms.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Examples of relevant work

Reference Requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Application Process

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04996

Help contact: [e-mail]

Location

Berkeley, CA

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For more information, please refer to the University of California’s affirmative action and nondiscrimination in employment policy and the University of California’s anti‑discrimination policy.