Postdoctoral Research Associate - Astrophysics and Cosmology

About the Opportunity

SUMMARY

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in astrophysics and cosmology in the Department of Physics at Northeastern University in Boston, MA.

The successful candidate will join a young and dynamic research group led by Professor Jacqueline McCleary, an expert in galaxy cluster weak gravitational lensing. Our group uses state-of-the-art algorithms to interpret data from ground-breaking new surveys, as well as exploring new applications for the statistical methods used in weak lensing analysis.

Depending on skill set and interest, the successful candidate could become involved in several high-profile projects:

• The Superpressure Balloon-borne Imaging Telescope (SuperBIT), a one-of-a-kind stratospheric observing platform that recently completed a 40-night observing campaign.

• The COSMOS-Web survey, a 255-hour treasury program conducted with the James Webb Space Telescope.

• The Local Volume Complete Cluster Survey (LoVoCCS), which uses the Dark Energy Camera to map the dark matter and galaxy distribution of all massive galaxy clusters in the local Universe.

Located in the heart of Boston, Northeastern University offers abundant opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, including colleagues in the Department of Physics, the Department of Mathematics, the Khoury College of Computer Science, and the Boston-area Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions.

This position is for one year, renewable for up to two additional years contingent on satisfactory research progress and continued availability of funding.

RESPONSIBILITES

• Assist in initiating, executing, and completing research and experiments

• Prepare and write research papers, presentations, grant proposals, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, or related technical fields

• Strong programming skills in Python or a related language like C or Julia

• Proven track record of research in weak gravitational lensing or related areas

• Excellent written and oral scientific communication skills

• Experience in astrophysical data analysis is desirable

Interested applicants should provide CV including a list of publications, a 3–5-page statement of research interests, and contact information for three references. Short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews and will have the opportunity to present their research remotely at an astrophysics/cosmology group meeting.

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .