The Physics Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has openings for Cosmology Postdoctoral Scholars (Multiple Openings) to carry out independent research that advances the field of cosmology in the Physics Division. 

Cosmology Postdoctoral Scholars pursue research projects that advance the experimental program in the Physics Division at Berkeley Lab, which includes the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), Rubin Observatory LSST DESC, Type Ia Supernovae, Simons Observatory, CMB-S4 and LuSEE-night. Research can be in any of the following areas: new approaches to data analysis, theory, and/or simulation of cosmology data sets; the design and development of state-of-the-art instrumentation; the application of Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning to problems in cosmology.

In addition, there are openings for  Cosmology Postdoctoral Scholars to work with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) operations team on topics related to spectroscopic data processing, survey operations, and/or instrumentation. The postdoctoral scholars will contribute to one or more of the following areas: developing improved spectroscopic data processing methods in response to the data quality needs of the DESI key science analyses; planning and executing survey operations; and/or developing hardware for DESI and related future projects (e.g. fiber positioners and CCDs). 

The posting shall remain open until the position is filled, however for full consideration, please apply by November 12, 2023. Ideally, all reference letters should be included in the file by this date. 

What You Will Do:

• Conduct original  research in any of the following areas in cosmology: new approaches to data analysis, theory, and/or simulation of cosmology data sets; the design and development of state-of-the-art instrumentation; the application of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning.
  

• DESI project: Contribute to DESI daily operations through support of the spectroscopic pipeline, survey operations, and/or hardware support.
  

• Prepare research papers for publication and present results at seminars and conferences.
  

• Collaborate with other investigators working on similar or related scientific problems.
  

• Support the LBNL IDEA initiative and participate in outreach activities.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field.
  

• Experience in cosmology, astronomy, or particle physics research.
  

• Evidence of potential for a high level of achievement as an independent researcher.

Desired Qualifications (for Postdoctoral Scholars working with DESI operations):

• Analysis experience with astronomical spectra and/or imaging data.
  

• Experience with data processing on Linux clusters and/or High Performance Computing systems.
  

• Strong Python programming skills.

How To Apply:

Please visit Academic Jobs Online to create a profile and submit the requested application materials. Note that applications can only be submitted via this Academic Jobs Online URL: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26189 . 

The following requested application materials listed below must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online:

Salary: 

The monthly salary range for this position is $5,374 - $6,445 and is expected to start at $6,133 or above. 

Notes:

• This is a full-time, M-F, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid),  2-year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, and continuing availability of funds, 
  

• You must have no more than thirty six months of paid postdoctoral experience when first assuming the position, and any extension is subject to the constraint of spending no more than five years total in a postdoctoral appointment,
  

• Salary for postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree and will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates,
  

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes,
  

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment,
  

• The primary location for this appointment will be the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Berkeley Lab’s Postdoc Program is committed to providing Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting scholars with a positive and impactful experience to jump-start their career through premium research and career development, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and a strong community.  For more information, please visit our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Resources site and our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association site.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. 

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.