Department
 

PSD Astronomy & Astrophysics: Administration and Staff

About the Department
 

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, within the Physical Sciences Division, offers undergraduate (B.A., B.S.) and graduate (Ph.D.) degrees in Astrophysics, with a program for non-STEM undergraduates leading to a Minor in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The department has 32 teaching faculty, in addition to emeriti and research faculty.

Job Summary
 

The Research Professional will perform research at the intersection of astrophysics and machine learning. This includes performing data analysis, developing algorithms, writing clean code, reading research papers, writing research papers, and giving presentations about novel research. This position will use the Python programming language (and others) to update simulations of galaxy clusters and the cosmic microwave background (CMB). The Research Professional will also perform statistical analysis of galaxy clusters and the CMB using Bayesian statistical inference techniques in concert with machine learning techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provides supplementary mentorship (either formally or informally) to staff or students as needed, including advice and guidance on techniques, as well as consultation on project work.
• Serves as a technical resource for other research staff.
• Provides support for onboarding/orientation functions for new lab members and transition/handover for departing lab members.
• Works closely with the PI to plan and write grants to obtain additional funding.
• Manages program deliverables (e.g., manuscript submissions and progress reports); guides the development of project scopes and schedules.
• Conducts novel research in a lab setting.
• Plans, executes, facilitates, and advances technical and scientific research projects.
• Applies expertise in theoretical, computational, and practical skills related to cosmology and physics, to develop and advance research projects of the Deep Skies Lab.
• Develops and tests theories, using experimental methods, to further advance specific research projects.
• Facilitates and promotes a research project by serving as a resource for data analysis and providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Writes codes using various computing systems such as Python, C, and Unix.
• Co-authors scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and machine-learning conferences.
• Reads papers in Machine Learning, Astrophysics, Cosmology, and Computing.
• Collaborates with other researchers, as appropriate.
• Conducts presentations of research findings at scientific meetings.
• Attends journal club meetings and group meetings.
• Develops laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage, analyze and make recommendations on complex data sets for research.
• Trains and mentors laboratory personnel.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:         

• Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, computer science, engineering, statistics, or a related field.

Experience:       

• Experience with deep learning algorithms and Python code writing.
• Experience conducting a research project.
• Experience working with a research group to complete tasks.
• Experience in physics research as a postdoctoral researcher.
• Experience with astronomy, physics, and GitHub.
• Experience in clean code development and code packaging.

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

• Computer programming in Python.
• Knowledge of git and clean code.
• Knowledge of physics and astronomy.
• Machine learning.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work schedule.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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