Duke University, Physics
(posted 2025/12/09)Position Description
The Duke Cosmology Group in the Department of Physics at Duke University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in cosmology. The candidate will work with Prof. Arun Kannawadi and Prof. Michael Troxel on building next-generation pipelines for joint analyses of imaging data from the Rubin Observatory’s LSST and NASA’s Roman Space Telescope.Appointment will initially be made initially for two (2) years, renewable upon mutual agreement and availability of funding. The anticipated start date for the position is September 1, 2026, or earlier. Review of applications will begin on January 6th, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit their current CV, a list of publications (separate from the CV), a research statement (3-page maximum) describing past accomplishments and research goals, and arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation to be uploaded online. Applicants are also encouraged to submit a cover letter that indicates their interest in working with the broader cosmology group at Duke.
Responsibilities:
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Design and implement robust
pipelines that combine pixel-level and catalog-level data from Rubin
Observatory/LSST and Roman
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Simulate joint-systematics and
develop mitigation strategies for photometric and shape measurements
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Collaborate with teams across
Rubin Observatory, LSST DESC and Roman PITs to prototype shared tools and
standards
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Contribute to open-source software
infrastructure with reproducible workflows and proper version control
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Optionally (but encouraged to)
mentor students and contribute to the group research culture and activities
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Present results at collaboration
meetings and scientific conferences
Required Qualifications:
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Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy,
Astrophysics, Computer Science or a related field by the start date
●
Strong background in observational
or computational cosmology, large-scale structure, weak lensing or image
processing
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Proven experience in scientific
programming in Python and/or C++
●
Deep familiarity with
collaborative software engineering practices (Git, testing, code reviews,
CI/CD)
●
Demonstrated contributions to
open-source scientific software projects
Desired Qualifications:
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Experience working with large
survey data (e.g., LSST, DES, HSC, Euclid, Roman)
●
Knowledge of image simulation
frameworks and pixel-level analysis techniques
●
Prior involvement in LSST DESC,
Roman PITs, or similar large collaborations
Environment and
Collaboration:
The Duke Cosmology Group is part of a
vibrant research community with strengths and presence in leading Stage-IV Dark
Energy experiments.
Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina, a thriving area with an excellent quality of life and strong academic networks across the Research Triangle.
Duke is an 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, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military 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:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Publication list
- Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site )
Further Info: