Position ID: | Stanford University / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory-Fundamental Physics Directorate-ROSPD [#20177] |
Position Title: | Postdoctoral Research Associate - Rubin Observatory Observing Specialist |
Position Type: | Postdoctoral |
Position Location: | Menlo Park, California 94025, United States [map] ![]() |
Subject Areas: | Astrophysics & Cosmology Cosmology Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics |
Appl Deadline: | 2021/11/26 11:59PM![]() |
Position Description: |
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is a next-generation astronomical facility currently under construction in Chile, with staff distributed across multiple sites, one of which is SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Rubin Observatory will undertake the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) which will be one of the largest and most comprehensive astronomy surveys of its kind. Rubin will enable countless discoveries in almost every area of modern astronomical research—discoveries made possible by the team that built the Rubin Observatory system, and by the global science community that Rubin Observatory serves. SLAC has been the lead lab for construction of the LSST Camera, and will continue to provide scientific and technical support for LSSTCam during Rubin survey operations. SLAC is also the host laboratory for the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration. More generally, SLAC has a broad and vibrant scientific program in fundamental physics, with current research topics including cosmic survey science, cosmic microwave background, direct dark matter searches, proton collider physics and neutrino physics, as well as theoretical and computational physics. SLAC and Stanford are partners in the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, which hosts a broad program in astrophysics. SLAC invites you to apply for a 4-year postdoctoral research associate position at Rubin Observatory and SLAC. For the first two years, after a brief training period at SLAC, you will be an “Observing Specialist” in Chile, working in a diverse team to operate the Simonyi Survey Telescope and LSST Camera, with skills including understanding software scripts and conducting hands-on technical work and image diagnostics, with a common duty of operating the Rubin instrumentation during nighttime. You will then spend the remaining two years at SLAC, exploiting the deep understanding of the Rubin system that you will have gained to carry out a program of cutting edge cosmology research. The term of your position will be a very exciting time for Rubin Observatory, making this a truly unique opportunity to join the operations team that will make Rubin reach its ground-breaking science goals. Your responsibilities will include the following:
To be successful in this position you will bring:
Applying for these positions, you should know that: SLAC is committed to increasing the diversity of its staff and to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment, and we encourage applications from candidates who will diversify the lab’s workforce in scientific computing and fundamental physics. Above all we are looking for someone enthusiastic with a desire to learn and experiment in a highly supportive and collaborative environment. A research mentor on the faculty or staff at KIPAC will support you throughout your four-year term, helping you develop your research program, establish and maintain good strong connections to the collaboration, and capitalize on your observatory experience. While in Chile, you will be a member of a 10-person Observing Specialist team working the same observing shift rotation but with (on average) 20% of your time available for research. This 20% should provide ample time to contribute to DESC working group discussions and develop research projects within the collaboration while you are in Chile, to be carried out on your return to SLAC. In your final two years, you will focus on your research program, but spend 20% of your time providing remote observing support from SLAC. SLAC offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and an attractive, inclusive and collaborative work environment in the foothills of Silicon Valley. Relocation expenses (to Chile, and back to SLAC) will be covered. Working at the Rubin Summit Facility is demanding. While in Chile, Rubin Observing Specialists must be:
Observing Specialists are required to have a valid driver’s license and experience in driving a 4WD. Specific training/certification on driving in the summit is provided by the AURA-O Safety Department. The essential functions of the Rubin Observing Specialists are to:
In your application, you should please include a 3-page statement of research interests and plans, a CV, a publication list, and arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation to be submitted. We also welcome you to strengthen your statement by including a discussion of your experience with, and ongoing commitment to, engaging in mentoring, outreach, fostering inclusive environments, or activities that support the increase of diversity and/or equity in the field. We encourage applicants to follow the structure of the AAS advice on the contents of CVs and research statements given here: https://jobregister.aas.org/postdoc-application-guidelines. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but must be received by November 26, 2021 to ensure full consideration. You should direct questions to the Chair of the Search Committee, Phil Marshall (pjm@slac.stanford.edu). SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.
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