DESI Postdoc (Survey-Ops)

DESI Postdoc (Survey-Ops) - Postdoctoral Fellow - 86069
Organization:  PH-Physics

Berkeley Lab’s Physics Division has an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Fellow  to join the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) experiment, which will measure the effect of dark energy on the expansion of the universe. DESI  will obtain optical spectra for tens of millions of galaxies and quasars, constructing a 3D map spanning the nearby universe to 11 billion light years. The instrument will be commissioned in 2019 and the survey will start in 2020.

In this role, you will work on the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) experiment, with 50%  time on science analysis and 50%  time assisting with the DESI  operations program. Operations responsibilities include maintaining the online data quality monitoring pipeline and the exposure time calculator code. See related posting for a DESI spectroscopic pipeline postdoc opening.

What You Will Do:
• Maintain the DESI online data quality monitoring processing code (QuickLook) that runs at Kitt Peak.
• Maintain the real-time exposure time calculation code (ETC).
• Monitor consistency of the signal-to-noise values between the QuickLook, ETC and offline-reductions.
• Add additional quality assurance metrics to QuickLook and ETC as needed.
• Occasionally travel to Kitt Peak Observatory to participate DESI commissioning and operations.
• Conduct original research independently and in collaboration.
• Interact with LBNL and other investigators working on similar or related scientific problems.
• Prepare research papers for publication.
• Present research findings at seminars and conferences.

What is Required:
• Recent Ph.D. or equivalent in Physics, Astronomy, or related field.
• Experience in Cosmology, Astronomy, or Particle Physics research.
• Demonstrated ability to attain high level of achievement as an independent researcher.
• Ability to work as a team member to accomplish goals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience programming for data analysis.

Additional Desired Qualifications:
• Experience with instrumentation used in Physics or Astronomy research.
• Analysis experience with astronomical spectra and/or imaging data.
• Familiarity with python programming.
• Familiarity with data processing clusters or high performance computing systems.
• Ability to travel to Kitt Peak Observatory to participate in nightly operations for up to one week per month during DESI commissioning and up to one week per two months during operations.

How to Apply:
Please visit Academic Jobs Online to create a profile and submit the required application materials.

Note that applications will only be accepted via this Academic Jobs Online URL:  http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=150028

The following required application materials listed below must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online:
1.  Curriculum Vitae.
2.  Cover Letter.
3.  Statement describing future research interests (3 page limit).
4.  3 Letters of reference to be uploaded on AJO by referee, with at least one reference from outside LBNL/UC Berkeley.

The posting shall remain open until the position is filled, however for full consideration, please apply by close of business on January 31, 2019.

Notes:
• This is a full time, 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have no more than 3 years paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.    
• Full-time, M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. and at Kitt Peak Observatory, near Tucson, AZ.

Learn About Us:
To learn more information on the Physics Division's research programs, visit http://physics.lbl.gov.

LBNL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory managed by the University of California for the DOE Office of Science. It has an excellent benefits program, which you can read about here.  

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.  Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."