Data science in astronomy/astrophysics (AJO-6755) - Postdoc at Northwestern U.

We invite applications for a postdoctoral scholar to join Northwestern’s CIERA and the leadership of the newly-established LSST Data Science Fellowship Program. The postdoctoral scholar will divide their time equally between conducting a competitive research program of their own choosing involving data science in astronomy/astrophysics, and developing this new LSST-focused educational initiative.

The LSST Data Science Fellowship program aims to teach the skills required for LSST science that are not easily addressed by current astrophysics graduate programs (i.e. to enhance and not replace the current physics based curricula). This training program will consist of three one-week schools per year and will teach participants the appropriate skills, interleave hands-on applications using precursor data so that the training will be directly applicable to a student’s research, and will create an online resource that can be used by the broader astronomical community (i.e,. a curriculum with associated teaching materials). Each workshop may emphasize a particular theme (e.g. image analysis or machine learning) but statistics, data management, software engineering, visualization will be incorporated into all of the workshops. Besides lectures, the workshops will emphasize group projects so that the majority of the work is hands-on.

The ideal candidate for this position will possess strong survey science background and data science skills, as well as an enthusiastic commitment to fostering active skill development within the astronomical community. The postdoctoral scholar will divide their time equally between this exciting educational initiative, and conducting a competitive research program of their own choosing involving data science in astronomy/astrophysics. Duties related to the Fellowship Program itself include the development and curation of curriculum materials in collaboration with the LSST Data Science Fellowship Program leadership team, coordination of instructors for school sessions, and facilitating the school sessions themselves.

The postdoctoral scholar will be employed by Northwestern University (CIERA), co-funded by Northwestern and the LSST Corporation (LSSTC); the successful candidate will be mainly based at Northwestern and will work with the Program participant and CIERA director Vicky Kalogera, but will also work closely with the LSST Data Science Fellowship Program Director Lucianne Walkowicz and spend time at the Adler Planetarium (also in the Chicago area).

The postdoctoral scholar will benefit from the academic environments of both institutions, as well as opportunities to engage with the public through the Adler Planetarium’s active programs. Scholars will receive a competitive salary and benefits, and will be employed for a term of three years.

Outstanding candidates interested in this program should submit applications electronically. Applications from candidates from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged. Applications must include a CV (including a list of publications with the most important 1 to 3 publications indicated with an asterisk), a three-page statement of research accomplishments and plans, and arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be sent to the above address. Applications received by January 15th, 2016 will receive full consideration, but early submissions are most welcome and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Later applications will be considered until all positions are filled.

Applicants must complete their Ph.D. requirements prior to appointment.

Included Benefits: Information about benefits - http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html.