Software position with the HATPI project

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Archive Date: 
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Scientific/Technical Staff
Institution Classification/Type: 
Small Academic
Institution/Company: 
Princeton University, Department of Astrophysical Sciences
City: 
Princeton
State/Province: 
NJ
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

We invite applications for a software specialist in the Department of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University. The successful applicant will work with Prof. Gáspár Bakos, Dr. Joel Hartman, and a team of researchers, including graduate students, on the operation of and data reduction for HATPI, an ultra-wide field optical time-domain instrument being commissioned at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. The HATPI instrument uses 64 wide-field lenses and cameras to simultaneously observe one fourth of the celestial sphere at a fast cadence and high photometric precision. Science topics to be explored with the instrument include transiting exoplanets, variable stars, transient phenomena and moving objects. The data reduction products, including high-cadence high-precision light curves for millions of stars, are to be made public.   

Applicants should have knowledge of handling of large data sets and efficient automated data reduction. Some knowledge of optical astronomy is desirable. Responsibilities include algorithm development and debugging; writing robust, efficient code; running and maintaining pipeline code; and evaluating the scientific performance of that code on real data. Experience in Python, Unix (Linux), and software engineering practices is essential, additionally experience in C/C++ would be an advantage. An advanced degree (MSc or equivalent) in Astrophysics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field, and an expertise in scientific computing is required.

The Department is heavily involved in a number of related projects, and has a community of experienced astronomical software developers. Examples include: the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile; Hyper Suprime-Cam, a large-format camera on the Subaru telescope on Maunakea, Hawaii; and the HAT global network of telescopes.

We endeavor to preserve the Astrophysical Sciences Department's reputation as a pleasant workplace with a lively and friendly scientific atmosphere which recognizes that technical innovations and software engineering are an important intellectual contribution to the science being produced by these surveys.

Appointments are for one year, renewable annually based on satisfactory performance and funding. The expected starting date will be between June 1, 2023 and October 1, 2023, although this is flexible.

Interested persons should submit a curriculum vitae, a publication list, and a research statement, and provide contact information for three references by January 31, 2023, 11:59 Eastern Time. Our department is committed to diversity and making the field more equitable and inclusive. With this in mind, we will take into consideration personal experiences, as well as efforts in education, outreach or other service activities related to astrophysics or other sciences. Applicants are invited to describe such experiences and their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in a separate statement, but this is not required.

Applicants must apply via the web at: https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/28781. Letters of recommendation will also be handled through this site. All applications received by January 31, 2023, 11:59 Eastern Time will be fully considered, but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. For further inquiries, contact Prof. Gáspár Bakos ([email protected]).

This position is subject to the University's background check policy. Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Deadline: 
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
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