Postdoctoral Fellow in the Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology

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

Position Details Title

Postdoctoral Fellow in the Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology

School Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area Physics

Position Description

The Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology (LPPC) at Harvard University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to be associated with the calibration, optimization, and exploitation of data from the Rubin Observatory.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to contribute to addressing forefront open questions in fundamental physics, through some combination of i) advancing the state of the art in precise flux calibration, i.e. correcting for astrophysical extinction, atmospheric transmission, and instrumental sensitivity vs. wavelength, ii) improving the delivered image quality of the Rubin system, and iii) enhancing data analysis methods, in particular using type Ia supernovae to probe the nature of dark energy. Our group is particularly interested in using AI methods to accelerate progress in these areas. Candidates will be encouraged to use 20% of their time to pursue other topics of interest to them.

This position is expected to begin in August 2027. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of annual renewal, contingent upon satisfactory performance, continued funding, research needs, and required approvals.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy by the appointment start date. Experience with the methods of optical astronomy as applied to forefront question in physics is required, and experience with AI tools is highly desirable.

Additional Qualifications

Demonstrated competence with AI tools as applied to observational astrophysics is a plus. Experience with Rubin Observatory data and existing membership in the Dark Energy Science Collaboration (DESC) are both positive factors.

Contact Information

Christopher Stubbs

Department of Physics

Harvard University

17 Oxford Street

Cambridge MA 02138 USA

Contact Email [e-mail]

Salary Range$70,000 – $85,000. Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.

Minimum Number of References Required3

Maximum Number of References Allowed3

Keywords

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

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Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Other
• List of References

Optional Documents

PI288049205