Postdoctoral Research Position in Weak Gravitational Lensing Cosmology for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

Applications are now being accepted for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in weak gravitational lensing cosmology with the Roman Project Science Team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. The position consists of a postdoctoral appointment in the Department of Physics at The Catholic University of America (CUA), funded by NASA through the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology II (CRESST II).

Roman is a NASA astrophysics flagship mission expected to launch in late-2026 that will perform wide-area and time-domain surveys at visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The primary mission objectives are studies in cosmology and exoplanet demographics, but a wide range of astrophysical investigations are anticipated. The measurements for the aforementioned science goals will be carried out with the Wide-Field Instrument (WFI), a 300-megapixel visible to near-IR camera with a 0.28 deg2 field-of-view and both imaging and spectroscopic capabilities.

The team is in the construction and testing phase of Roman, an exciting and dynamic time ahead of the planned launch. The successful applicant will be invited to participate in a range of ongoing activities and will be expected to spend a fraction of their time on investigations that support Roman-related cosmology and the WFI. Examples of these areas include weak lensing image simulations, algorithm development for galaxy shape and photometric redshift measurements, WFI integration and test data analysis (including H4RG-10 detector characterization), exploring synergies between Roman and other observatories (including Vera Rubin Observatory, Euclid, and others). Part of their time can be spent pursuing independent research. There will be access and opportunities to analyze existing data from the Dark Energy Survey.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related field by the date of the appointment. A background in cosmology using observations of large-scale structure and/or astronomical detectors and instrumentation is preferred, however those with a demonstrated enthusiasm to learn in these areas are also welcomed to apply. The position is funded for 3 years with the nominal start date in September 2023, the exact date to be decided by mutual agreement.

The position will remain available until filled. Complete applications received by Friday, April 14, 2023, will receive full consideration. Candidates should provide a cover letter, a research statement (3 pages max), curriculum vitae and publication list, and contact information for three references via email to Ms. Katherine McKee ([email protected])

Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications. For more information about the proposed research, contact Dr. Ami Choi ([email protected]). For information on CRESST II or CUA, contact Dr. Tommy Wiklind ([email protected]). The Roman Project and NASA GSFC are committed to building equitable, diverse, and inclusive teams. We are particularly interested in candidates from historically excluded groups, including Black, Indigenous, Latinx, LGBTQ+, disabled, veteran, first-generation college student, women. The Catholic University of America is committed to building a diverse group and encourages applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. Catholic University of America is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.