Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Astrophysics - Postdoc at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Department of Astronomy
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Laboratory for Computation, Data, and Machine Learning (http://lcdm.illinois.edu) anchored in the Astronomy Department and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Tree Building Blocks (TBB) team. The ideal candidate would have a PhD in computer science, applied mathematics, data science, physics, astrophysics or related fields with an extensive experience in high performance computing including advanced knowledge of the C++ and Python programming languages. The successful candidate will participate in the Tree Building Blocks effort, led by Dr. Vincent Reverdy, which is creating a generic, high performance library of tree data structures that will be applied in applications ranging from astrophysical simulations to efficient machine learning algorithms and from hierarchical databases to abstract syntax trees for programming languages. This effort must produce algorithms and data structures that meet the highest requirements in terms of software architecture, code quality and efficiency in order to affect the future of the C++ language, become a part of the C++ Standard Library, and provide improvements in high-impact, open-source libraries such as scikit-learn. We are not looking for someone who simply uses black boxes, but for a passionate person who is not afraid of opening the box, completely rethinking it from scratch, and thus makes the box far better than before.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Become a member of the Laboratory for Computation, Data, and Machine Learning and the Tree Building Blocks team, which includes people with diverse backgrounds in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, and astrophysics.
• Work on software architecture (pen & paper) to create generic and efficient abstractions
• Develop and implement high performance algorithms and data structures
• Apply these algorithms and data structures to a particular application domain (depending on the interests of the candidate and needs of the project)
• Publish and present research results in journals and conference proceedings
• Participate in new research projects and proposals as well as in proposals to the C++ Standards Committee

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:
• PhD in computer science, applied mathematics, data science, physics, astrophysics, or related fields
• Advanced knowledge in C++ and/or Python
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team
• Ability to lead groups of students
• Interest in multidisciplinary approaches
• Creativity and passion

SALARY AND APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a full-time postdoctoral research associate position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION
To apply for this position, please submit a curriculum vitae with bibliography, a summary of past research (2 to 3 pages), a statement of research interests (2 to 3 pages), and arrange for two or three letters of reference to be submitted to Professor Robert J. Brunner at lcdm-postdoc@lists.illinois.edu by February 1, 2017. Applicants may also submit an optional 1 to 2 page essay on a subject of their choice including, amongst other possibilities, philosophy of science, sociology of science, epistemology, or the future of computational sciences. Full consideration will be given to complete applications received by the closing date. The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

For further information regarding application procedures, you may contact Professor Robert J. Brunner at bigdog@illinois.edu.

Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or criminal conviction history. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).