Postdoctoral Researcher

The Center for Particle Cosmology at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral researcher focused on software development for astronomical surveys. We are interested in candidates with a keen interest in data-driven astrophysics and a strong background in software development. 

The successful candidate will work within the distributed Advanced Simons Observatory (ASO) team, but will be based at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, USA, under the direct supervision of Dr. Josh Borrow and Prof. Mathew Madhavacheril. This position is primarily technical in nature, with a core focus on software development. As such, we explicitly would like to encourage applications from candidates who are interested in transitioning from a PhD to a role in industry.

The role of the successful candidate will be to build, deploy, and maintain data engineering infrastructure for ASO within the Data Delivery group. This distributed infrastructure is responsible for both internal and public data releases, and ranges from web-based map viewers to large databases of simulation products.

Experience in software development is the highest priority for this position. The following skills are required for the position:

• Experience with distributed projects using git

• Experience building complex (i.e. multi-file) projects with Python

• Good communication skills

• A PhD in physics, astronomy or a related field.

The following skills are additionally recommended for this position:

• A background knowledge of CMB surveys and their data products.

• Experience with Python web frameworks

• Experience with the go language

• Experience developing with databases (primarily postgres and mongodb).

To apply for this position, please submit the following to Josh Borrow at borrowj@sas.upenn.edu:

• Contact information for 2-3 references. References will only be requested for candidates that successfully make it to the interview stage.

• A CV detailing your experience.

• A description of your involvement in software projects (please feel free to include links out to, for example, GitHub repositories), no more than one page.

A start date in the Fall of 2024 (or sooner) is desirable. The position may be renewed for up to 3 years contingent on funding and performance. 

We offer:

• A friendly and stimulating work environment

• A competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package

• A position and support giving you the ability to develop your technical skills

• A diverse set of colleagues both at the University of Pennsylvania and within the ASO collaboration

SO institutions are equal opportunity employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For additional information, contact jobs@simonsobservatory.org.

This is a postdoc appointment position