Postdoctoral - Computational Cosmology/astrophysics and Artificial Intelligence

We Are

Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and South Dakota and at locations around the world, including Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, and the South Pole.

Working in the Deep Skies Lab

The Deep Skies Lab (deepskieslab.com) at Fermilab is excited to announce postdoctoral research positions in computational cosmology with Dr. Brian Nord (iamstarnord.com) and his research group! We focus on the development and application of statistical learning and artificial intelligence algorithms.

Physicists, astronomers, statisticians, computer scientists, and AI experts/practitioners are invited to apply. In this position, you will have the opportunity to build and apply new algorithms for the study of cosmological phenomena, like dark energy and dark matter. Our group also welcomes new research ideas and directions. You will also have ample opportunity to collaborate in cosmology-related research collaborations, like DES and LSST. We publish in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and there will be opportunities for travel and inter-institutional collaboration.

 

You Will

Broadly, the activities in our group support the innovation, development, and application of advanced statistical and computing techniques for the analysis of large cosmological data sets. In particular, we will develop and use deep learning and simulation-based inference (aka, likelihood-free inference) for the analysis of strong gravitational lensing data. We also strongly encourage applicants who have experience with other cosmological probes and statistical learning algorithms.

There are two other positions that we are offering in parallel, which focus on 1) the development of AI uncertainty quantification methods and 2) automating the design and operation of scientific instrumentation (e.g., self-driving telescopes). You will have an opportunity to collaborate with the postdoctoral researchers in this position.

Collaborations

Synergistic activities in the group include involvement with the ongoing Dark Energy Survey (DES), the CMB Stage-4 Experiment (CMB-S4), the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), and the Deep Skies Laboratory.

Community-building

Our group aims to provide a welcoming and equitable research environment, in which our community members nurture the scientific and professional growth of their colleagues. We expect all group members to respect, understand, and value individual differences. We also expect all group members to abide by and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Start date, appointment period, and location

The start date and location are flexible. The appointment will be for an initial period of three (3) years, with renewal for a third and fourth year contingent upon progress and funding.

 

We Are Looking For

Required:

Applicants are required to have a PhD in astronomy, physics, or related field (statistics, machine learning, deep learning, computer science) by the start of the position.

Preferred:

Preferred experience includes the following: a) collaborative software development, b) excellent oral and written communication skills, b) support and mentorship of junior scientists, c) deep learning algorithm development, d) cosmological and astronomical data analysis, e) experience in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Application Instructions

The position includes a competitive salary, research/travel funds, access to telescope and supercomputing facilities, and significant flexibility to account for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Please apply at https://jobs-us.technomedia.com/fermilab/?offerid=1557 

A full application will include

CV that includes all relevant experience and a list of publications

Cover letter summarizing your background and interest in the position

A brief statement of up to 3 pages of your research interests and how you envision contributing to the group’s research program

Contact information for 2 references (up to 3 are allowed): we will contact references as needed.

Complete applications received by January 10, 2022 will receive full consideration.

Questions can be directed to Brian Nord ([email protected]); please don’t hesitate to ask anything you’re unsure about!

 

All FRA employees are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19, unless the employee is legally entitled to an accommodation based on a medical condition/disability or a sincerely held religious belief.

Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect is essential to our mission. Fermilab is committed to recruiting and developing the most hardworking people and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, country of birth, geography/postal code, disability, marital status, parental or gestational status, or other non-merit factors.