We invite applications for a postdoctoral position with Dr. Josh Borrow and Prof. Robyn Sanderson at the University of Pennsylvania to build novel infrastructure for galaxy formation simulations. Applicants must have a PhD in physics, astrophysics, computer science, or closely related field by the start of the position.

The successful candidate will work on a recently-funded National Science Foundation infrastructure project to build, deploy, and use novel software for improving access to cosmological simulation data. In short, we aim to build a tool called ‘socket’ that allows for partial access to simulation snapshots over regular internet connections. A link to the funded proposal text is available here.

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate in their application:

• Experience working with data from hydrodynamical or N-body simulations.

• A record of developing and contributing to python software and using version control tools like Git.

• Experience with technical writing, such as code documentation, users’ guides, or software tutorials.

The successful candidate will be appointed for 3 years as a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Penn. In addition to the welcoming environment of the Center for Particle Cosmology (http://particlecosmo.sas.upenn.edu/), the researcher will be encouraged to join the Data Driven Discovery Initiative (http://web.sas.upenn.edu/data-science), which connects researchers using machine learning and data-driven techniques across disciplines.

This position offers:

• Mentorship and support for strengthening software development skills.

• A leadership position in a wide-ranging international group with collaborators from many of the main players in particle-based simulations (FIRE/GIZMO, THESAN/AREPO, FLAMINGO/SWIFT, yt, pynbody, and more).

• The opportunity to gain unique and highly valuable technical skills (working with databases, containerisation, code profiling)

• A unique chance to build infrastructure that will be used throughout the community.

• Membership in a group at the forefront of building advanced data access tools for simulations and observatories, including the Simons Observatory.

• Life in Philadelphia, a vibrant city with a low cost of living!

The position is expected to start in September 2025 (exact date negotiable). Please submit the following by 15 August 2025:

• A curriculum vitae

• A cover letter of maximum two pages

• Names and contact information for three references who can provide letters

For inquiries please contact Josh Borrow (borrowj@sas.upenn.edu).