Postdoctoral Fellow: AI-Driven Cosmology & Rubin Data

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to calibration, optimization, and physics-exploiting analyses of Rubin Observatory data.

The role emphasizes AI-driven improvements in flux calibration, image quality, and data analysis for Type Ia supernova studies, with opportunities to pursue additional topics for up to 20% of time; start August 2027, initial 1-year appointment with renewal.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics or astronomy by the start date.
• Experience with optical astronomy methods applied to forefront physics questions.
• Experience with AI tools is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to calibration, optimization, and exploitation of Rubin Observatory data.
• Advance flux calibration, atmospheric transmission, and instrumental response analyses.
• Use AI methods to accelerate progress in these areas.

Skills

AI tools experience

Optical astronomy experience

Education

PhD in physics or astronomy

Tools

Rubin Observatory data

DESC membership

Job description

Harvard University’s Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to calibration, optimization, and physics-exploiting analyses of Rubin Observatory data.

The role emphasizes AI-driven improvements in flux calibration, image quality, and data analysis for Type Ia supernova studies, with opportunities to pursue additional topics for up to 20% of time; start August 2027, initial 1-year appointment with renewal.