Astrophysicist (Post Doctoral Research Fellow), IS-1330-11

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

5d•$84,579 - $109,959•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is a leading international institution for scientific exploration of the universe. SAO collaborates with Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA), a world-renowned astrophysics center. The CfA's work spans ground-based and space-based astronomy and astrophysics research, the development of scientific instrumentation, and research to enhance science education. SAO's research is supported by government funds (federal appropriations, contracts, and grants) and Smithsonian Institution funds (grants from Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants), as well as philanthropic support. This specific position is for an Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the Optical and Infrared Division / AstroAI, focusing on training postdoctoral researchers in astrophysics and artificial intelligence, particularly in exoplanet atmospheric characterization. The role involves conducting scholarly research and contributing to the field of physical science, specifically supporting the Sloan-funded project 'Finding Life in the Universe with AI' by developing a differentiable retrieval framework for exoplanet atmospheres.

Requirements

Degree in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics, with coursework including differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.
OR Combination of education and experience: at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics, with required course work as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation, such as demonstrated proficiency in AI-driven astronomy, with particular focus on generative models for astronomical data.
OR Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
Knowledge of the technical methods, principles, and practices of astrophysics, scientific machine learning, and computational modeling applicable to exoplanet atmospheric retrieval.
Knowledge of data analysis, probabilistic inference, and numerical optimization techniques applicable to the modeling and interpretation of astronomical spectra.
Ability to utilize advanced computational methods and computer technology in the solution of scientific problems.
Ability to perform independent scientific research as evidenced by receipt of a Ph.D. in astrophysics, physics, computer science, applied mathematics, or a closely related field.
Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary research group or scientific team spanning astrophysics, spectroscopy, and AI.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials.
Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
Eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Conduct a program of research and scholarship in the area of differentiable retrieval methods for exoplanet atmospheres under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator, including developing scalable methods for atmospheric retrieval across expanding molecular libraries.
Assist in the development of software and analytical procedures for the modeling, reduction, analysis, and interpretation of synthetic and observed exoplanet spectra, including implementation of differentiable forward models, Hamiltonian Monte Carlo methods, and differential rendering approaches.
Engage in the dissemination of research results by preparing papers for publication in scientific journals and presenting findings at scientific meetings and conferences.
Support, as required, the development of proposals for research funding and related project materials.
Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the AstroAI group, the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, and collaborating institutions including MIT and Northeastern University.
Mentor and assist junior researchers and summer students involved in projected related tasks as appropriate.