HATPI data scientist

We invite applications for a data scientist 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. The expected starting date for the position is July 1, 2020, although this is flexible.

We seek candidates with an advanced degree in Astrophysics, Computer Science or a related field, and an expertise in scientific computing. The appointment will be made at the associate professional specialist or more senior level and salary, commensurate with experience. Applicants should have knowledge of handling of large data sets, efficient automated data reduction and some knowledge of optical astronomy. 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 C/C++, Python, Unix, and software engineering practices is essential. Experience in Linux system management is desirable. The appointment will be made to the research or specialist staff at a level and salary commensurate with experience, for an initial period of one year which may be extended depending on satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

The Department is heavily involved in a number of related projects, and has a community of experienced astronomical software developers. Examples include: the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) project in Chile; Hyper Suprime-Cam, a large-format camera on the Subaru telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii; WFIRST, the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope; 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.

Applicants may apply online at: https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/13681. Letters of recommendation will also be handled through this site. All applications received by January 1, 2020 will be fully considered, but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. For further inquiries, contact 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.