Duke University, Physics

Position ID:Duke-Physics-POSTRECOS3 [#23148]
Position Title: Postdoctoral Researchers Cosmology
Position Type:Postdoctoral
Position Location:Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Cosmology/Particle Astrophysics
Appl Deadline: finished (2022/10/05, finished 2023/07/01, listed until 2022/12/31)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

The cosmology group at Duke University invites applications for multiple research scientist or postdoctoral positions in the area of cosmology (observational and theoretical), time-domain astrophysics, and new techniques in statistical and image analysis. Applicants will work with Profs. Dan Scolnic, Michael Troxel, and Chris Walter to build the necessary tools and methods to take advantage of current and next generation experiments designed to probe cosmology. We are committed to building a group that is inclusive and representative of our community. For this reason, we strongly encourage applicants who come from groups that are historically underrepresented in physics departments.

We seek the following applicants:

1) Research scientist:

This researcher would help to lead a multi-institution image and survey simulation and calibration effort with Prof. Michael Troxel at Duke. This effort is meant to support and contribute to precision cosmology surveys with the Roman Space Telescope and the Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST).

2) Postdoctoral researcher supporting Rubin Observatory commissioning:

This researcher will work with Prof. Chris Walter to support the commissioning of the Vera Rubin Observatory. The position will be based in Chile where they will work as part of the on-site commissioning team to prepare for the start of Rubin operations. Activities will include validation, testing, and integration of observatory components including observing and working with the LSSTCam, calibration and commissioning instruments. The researcher will also help integrate and employ on-the-ground testing with DESC and Rubin image simulation tools. As a member of the Duke Cosmology group the researcher will also be encouraged to participate in the LSST DESC Science Collaboration. Contingent on the Rubin commissioning schedule and the availability of further funding, an extension of the term of employment based at Duke may also be possible.

3) Other postdoctoral researchers:

These researchers would work with Profs. Dan Scolnic and Michael Troxel to support cosmology with the Roman Space Telescope and the Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). Potential research topics for these positions include cosmology with large-scale structure, Type Ia supernovae, and weak gravitational lensing; statistical studies of heterogeneous datasets; electromagnetic follow-up of gravitational wave sources; innovative methods in image analysis for large surveys; studies of astrophysical contributions to cosmological signals; and higher-order summary statistics. Participation in some of the Dark Energy Survey (DES), the Roman Space Telescope, and the Rubin Observatory LSST DESC collaborations while at Duke is expected. The Duke cosmology group currently consists of about ten PhD students and four postdocs or research scientists, and continues to grow and expand. In addition to this search, the physics department is also currently soliciting applications and nominations for a tenure-track position at the assistant professor level in the areas of observational or theoretical astrophysics/cosmology and a position at the assistant research professor level in the area of wide-field cosmology using imaging data.

More information on the group can be found at https://phy.duke.edu/research/research-areas/astrophysics.

These positions have an initial appointment for two years, renewable upon mutual agreement and availability of funding. The research scientist and commissioning postdoc positions can begin immediately, but positions are generally expected to begin by the start of the Fall 2023 Duke semester. Candidates must have a Ph.D. by the date of appointment in astronomy, physics, or a relevant field. Applicants should prepare a cover letter, a current CV and list of publications, a research statement of less than three pages describing past accomplishments and research goals, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent. Applicants are encouraged to describe in their cover letter how their scholarship and experience would contribute to a diverse and inclusive community.

Applications should be submitted to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/23148. Applications received by December 1 will be guaranteed consideration, but applicants will continue to be reviewed until all positions are filled.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://phy.duke.edu/research/research-areas/astrophysics
email address
 
Physics Department
120 Science Drive, Box 90305
Durham, NC 27708