DSFP Postdoctoral Fellow

We invite applications for a postdoctoral scholar to join Northwestern’s Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) and the leadership of the LSSTC Data Science Fellowship Program (DSFP). The DSFP Postdoctoral Fellow will divide their time equally between conducting an independent research program in data science in astronomy/astrophysics, while continuing the development and growth of the DSFP.

The LSSTC DSFP is a unique graduate-training program designed to teach the data science skills necessary for analysis of Vera C. Rubin Observatory data.DSFP Fellows participate in three sessions per year, each is one week long, (see https://astrodatascience.org/ for more information). Sessions include lectures and hands-on applications that can be directly applied to the fellows' research (see https://github.com/LSSTC-DSFP/LSSTC-DSFP-Sessions for the curriculum from past sessions).

The ideal candidate for this position will possess data science skills, extensive experience writing software in python, significant interest in the Rubin Observatory, a strong survey science background, the ability to meet multiple overlapping deadlines, as well as an enthusiastic commitment to fostering active skill development within the astronomical community. The DSFP Postdoctoral Fellow will divide their time equally between the DSFP and conducting a competitive data science research program in astronomy/astrophysics. Duties related to the DSFP include the development and curation of curriculum materials, coordination of guest instructors for each session, and organizing and running the sessions themselves.

The DSFP Postdoctoral Fellow will be part of the CIERA community. Successful applicants will benefit from interaction with a broad interdisciplinary group of researchers and will be immersed in a diverse and dynamic intellectual environment (learn more about CIERA’s programs and activities). As a CIERA postdoc, the DSFP Postdoctoral Fellow will have access to world-class telescope facilities (Keck, MMT, LCO, SEDMv2, ZTF, LS4), as well as CIERA-dedicated high performance computing resources and the services of a dedicated Computational Specialist (see https://ciera.northwestern.edu/high-performance-computing/ for more information).

DSFP-related work will primarily be with Program Director Adam Miller and Director Lucianne Walkowicz (at the Adler Planetarium, which is in Chicago), but include research opportunities with other faculty in CIERA as well. The DSFP Postdoctoral Fellow will receive a competitive salary and benefits, and will be employed for a term of three years.

Please submit applications electronically to Academic Jobs Online (19801). Applications should include a CV (including a list of publications with the most important 1 to 3 publications indicated with an asterisk), a three-page statement of research accomplishments and plans, a one-page DSFP statement [this one-page statement should include a description of the applicant's previous experience and skills, or plans to develop new skills, relevant to the DSFP. Such skills include, but are not limited to: teaching, outreach, curriculum development, planning and organizing meetings, etc. This statement should not discuss research, relevant research in data science should be discussed in the research statement.], cover letter, and arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be uploaded to Academic Jobs Online. All questions should be sent by email to [email protected]. Applications received by December 16th, 2021 will receive full consideration. Later applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Applicants must complete their Ph.D. requirements prior to appointment.

CIERA is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community for everyone. Every person connected to CIERA, including its visitors, upholds our shared values by seeking diverse perspectives and deliberately working to increase access and equity of people from marginalized groups. We recognize that true excellence only comes from the meaningful integration of all perspectives in our community and culture. CIERA also participates with University-wide diversity & inclusion efforts: Northwestern’s Leadership Commitment, Northwestern’s Office of Equity.

Northwestern University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and does not discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected class. Individuals from all diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States. For more information, please see the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment at https://www.northwestern.edu/equity/documents/discrimination-harassment-policy-resources-procedures-final.pdf