Post Doctoral Researcher in Transient Science- #0010585

The Space Telescope Science Institute invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in transient astrophysics. The successful applicants will be part of the Transient Science @ Space Telescope group (TS@ST, https://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/research-groups/transient-science-space-telescope), a joint research group at STScI, which includes Drs. Ori Fox, Suvi Gezari, Armin Rest, Russell Ryan, Lou Strolger, and a number of postdocs and graduate students. The TS@ST group has broad scientific interests in transient science, including supernovae, lensed supernovae, gravitational waves, tidal disruption events, and cosmology. Researchers will have access to data from APO, Pan-STARRS,  DECam, ATLAS, Gemini, Magellan, HST, Kepler, TESS, SDSS-V, ZTF-II, SEDMv2, Swift, and JWST.

The successful candidates would work on one or more of three possible projects:

1. A Roman Wide-Field Science investigation on cosmology with strongly lensed supernovae. This program prepares the community to find and leverage the gravitationally lensed supernovae in the Roman surveys to provide the first sample for cosmology. This work will involve the modeling of events in simulated data, the development of tools to quickly and efficiently detect new lensed transients, and a pipeline to evaluate lens modeling, time delays, and cosmological inference. 
2. Roman Project Infrastructure Team (PIT) science to support cosmological measurements with Type Ia supernovae. This work will be to implement various components of the slitless spectroscopy collected as part of the High Latitude Time-Domain Survey.  This work would include continued development of the 3D scene reconstruction of the host galaxies, extract and analyze 1D spectra of supernovae, and constrain the field dependence of the response function. This work will be in concert with a team which spans over 20 institutions. 
3. Testing the extent of Hubble residuals and delay-time distributions for type Ia supernovae from more extensive host galaxy parameter recovery analysis. This work will complete the analysis of host galaxy characteristics in JWST near-and-mid-infrared data with non-parametric tools for parameter recovery.  These measures would then be in reanalyses of delay-time distributions and host-mass Hubble residuals. 

These positions will involve work in these areas, with some time made available for independent research on new projects in related areas. The positions are for two years, with a third year possible contingent upon performance and continued funding. 

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a related field prior to beginning their appointment. Research experience in areas of optical to mid-infrared imaging and spectroscopy, supernova explosions and progenitors, or galaxy SED analysis and characterization are desirable. Expertise in gravitational lensing analysis, type Ia supernova cosmology, or astro-statistical methods or machine learning in time-domain astronomy is a plus.  Experience in scientific computing in Python with some understanding of best practices in modern software development and cloud computing are also desired.

Successful applicants will benefit from a career mentoring program at STScI, interactions with the Johns Hopkins University research staff, and a stimulating work environment rich in colloquia, journal clubs, symposia, and other learning opportunities related to the missions supported by STScI (HST, JWST, Roman, and MAST).

The nominal start date is Summer/Fall 2024. STScI, located on Johns Hopkins University Campus in Baltimore, Maryland, offers an excellent benefit package (including comprehensive healthcare and paid parental leave), competitive salaries, relocation assistance, and a stimulating work environment. STScI’s pay is commensurate to the year of Ph.D. We especially welcome applications from women, underrepresented minorities, veterans, LBGTQ+ people, and people from other underserved groups.

Please ONLY submit your application through: https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/77276/OkucRgAI7U

The following materials are requested in a single PDF file: a brief cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant expertise, curriculum vitae, publication list, a summary of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages) and contact information for three references. References will be collected for those candidates that progress further along in review process. Complete applications received by February 27, 2024, will receive full consideration. 

Questions regarding the application process can be sent directly to careers@stsci.edu​. 

STScI sees the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in our desire to create a first-rate scientific community. We reflect that deep commitment in strongly encouraging women, minorities, veterans and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities. 

As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, STScI does not discriminate because of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, or mental or physical handicap. Veterans, disabled or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu​.