Research Scientist in the Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology (LPPC) invites applications for a Research Scientist to contribute to the data reduction pipeline for Rubin Observatory data. The role will work within the Rubin Data Management (DM) team to advance image processing tools and techniques, with a focus on AI methods to accelerate progress.

The position is anticipated to start in Spring 2027 for a five-year term, with possible reappointment based on performance and funding.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or astronomy is required.
• At least 8 years of post-PhD experience.
• Extensive demonstrated experience with image processing methods of optical astronomy as applied to Rubin images.
• Extensive experience with agentic AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the data reduction pipeline for Rubin Observatory data.
• Collaborate within the Rubin Data Management (DM) team to develop image processing tools and techniques.
• Explore and apply AI methods to accelerate progress in image processing tasks.
• Role is a five-year term starting Spring 2027 with possible renewal based on performance and funding.

Skills

Image processing

AI tools

Education

PhD in physics or astronomy

Tools

Agentic AI tools

Job description

Research Scientist 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 Research Scientist to contribute to the data reduction pipeline for data from the Rubin Observatory.

The Research Scientist will be expected to work within the framework of the Rubin Data Management (DM) team to make substantive contributions to the ongoing development of image processing tools and techniques. 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 start in the Spring of 2027 and is for a five-year term. Reappointment is possible based on performance and funding.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants for this position must have a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy, and at least 8 years of post-PhD experience. Extensive demonstrated experience with the image processing methods of optical astronomy as applied to Rubin images is required, as well as a documented record of successful contributions to the Rubin data management (DM) pipeline. Extensive experience with agentic AI tools is also required.

Additional Qualifications

Membership in the Dark Energy Science Collaboration ( DESC ) is a plus.

Contact Information

Christopher Stubbs
Department of Physics
Harvard University
17 Oxford Street
Cambridge MA 02138 USA

Salary Range

$100,000 – $110,000. 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 Required

3

Maximum Number of References Allowed

5

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

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