University of California, Davis, Department of Physics & Astronomy
Position ID:
Position Title:
Rubin Observatory LSST Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Davis, California 95616, United States of America
Subject Areas:
Salary Range:
Starting at $71,491/year or higher depending on experience
Appl Deadline:
2026/01/03 11:59PM
Position Description:
Position Description
The University of California Davis Department of Physics and Astronomy is pleased to invite applications for the position of Rubin Observatory Postdoctoral Scholar. The job will begin Fall of 2026 and extend for 3 years+, pending confirmation of funding. The successful candidate will join a group at UC Davis working on mitigating systematic errors in dark energy science from the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). This includes full access to LSST data, participation in technical and science papers, and opportunities for discovery. In addition, members of the UC community enjoy guaranteed access to the Keck telescopes. The department has several groups probing the nature of dark matter, ranging from underground searches, accelerator experiments, CMB observations, to strong and weak gravitational lens probes. Specifically, the successful candidate will drive a program of comprehensively assessing the effects of Low Earth Orbiting satellites on LSST data and resulting systematic errors in dark matter and dark energy posterior cosmological parameter estimates. Skills must include database management and coding, machine learning AI, and familiarity with LSST data management image reduction and analysis tools. Familiarity with processing data at the DOE US Data Facility at SLAC National Accelerator Lab would be a plus. Requested information includes 3 references who can independently write a letter of support for the applicant. Supplemental materials (Cover Letter; Curriculum Vitae; Research Statement; List of Publications) should be submitted as PDF files through Academic Jobs Online. If you have any questions, please contact tyson@physics.ucdavis.edu. The position will remain open until filled, however, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications by December 31, 2025, including 3 reference letters. Review of applications will begin on December 31, 2025. The position is expected to begin by Fall of 2026. The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400. Postdoctoral Scholars are eligible to participate in the Postdoctoral Scholar Benefit Plans which include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, short term disability, and voluntary long term disability.Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Publication list
- Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site )
Further Info:
One Shields Avenue
Physics Department
Davis, CA 95616
Physics Department
Davis, CA 95616