Post Doctoral Researcher, FASTLab

Apply now Job no:499628
College / VP Area: College of Arts & Sciences
Work type:Staff
Location:Newark/Hybrid
Categories:Research & Laboratory, Full Time

Context of the Job: 

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware is soliciting applications for a Post Doctoral Researcher position within the group led by Prof. Federica Bianco (FASTLab) to carry out research on data-driven astrophysical transients in large surveys with particular emphasis on the development of methodological applications for the upcoming Rubin Legacy Survey of Space and Time (https://www.lsst.org/ ).

The research focus will be on leveraging machine learning methods for discovery, classification, characterization of astrophysical transients, and insight into their physical properties, focusing in particular on unusual and rare transients (rare supernova classes, unknown unknowns and anomalies) and light echoes. The successful applicant will be encouraged to pursue independent research interests on related research topics.  They will have the opportunity to interact closely with many collaborators within Rubin Observatory (https://www.lsst.org/ ), of which Dr. Bianco is the Deputy Project Scientist, and working within the LSST Transients and Variable Stars Science Collaborations and the other LSST Science Collaborations within which Dr. Bianco has held several leadership roles.

At UD, the successful candidate will be supported by a wealth of resources and collaborators including at the UD Data Science Institute (the postdoc will be nominated to become as a Fellow of the Data Science Institute), and the vibrant UD astrophysics group which active members of the LSST community (Prof. John Gizis), astronomical transients and Multi-Messenger Astronomy (Dr.s Jamie Holder, Spencer Axani, David Seckel), and massive stars experts (Prof.s Stan Owocki and Veronique Petit), and proximity to many astrophysics centers where Prof. Bianco has active collaborations (e.g. UPenn, STScI, Drexel).  

The FASTLab has a Code of Conduct that the successful candidate will be expected to review and respect at all time to enhance the well-being of all group members - our Code of conduct can be reviewed here https://github.com/fedhere/FASTlab/blob/master/CodeOfConduct.md . Additional information about FASTLab and additional resources can be found here https://fedhere.github.io/FASTlab/

Expected start date: 9/1/2023. The appointment will last for an initial period of one year, with renewal for a second and third year contingent upon progress and funding. 

Major Responsibilities:

• Data collection and/or analysis.
• Development and application of statistical models for data processing and scientific inference.
• Plan and carry out research tasks, analyze data, and interpret results independently
• Report, publish and present research results/projects at conferences.
• Participate actively in and working collaboratively within PI Bianco's research group (FASTLab) and with other research groups including the Rubin LSST Transients and Variable Stars Science Collaboration (https://lsst-tvssc.github.io/ ) and Informatics and Statistics Science Collaboration (https://issc.science.lsst.org/ ) and within other scientific collaborations.
• Contribute to the research supervision and mentoring of students within FASTLab. 

Qualifications:

• PhD in astrophysics, physics, or a discipline relevant to data-driven inference is required
• Experience with Machine Learning and/or Big Data is required. 

Application Instructions:

Candidates must upload 1) a curriculum vitae including a list of recent publications, 2) a summary of current and previous research and technical and scientific qualifications that make the candidate suitable for this position (limited to 2 pages total), 3) a statement of future research interests (1 page), 4) a statement of how the candidate's past and/or potential activities in research, teaching, and/or service, their identity, and/or their knowledge can positively contribute to the climate of the University of Delaware Department of Physics and Astronomy and FASTLab research group (including contributions to studies, publications, and other products focused on increasing Diversity Equity and Inclusion if available - limited to 2 pates total). 5) a list of at least 3 reference writers that can be contacted to solicit a recommendation. Apply by 1/20/2022 for full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Applications close:Open until filled

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