Post Doctoral Research Associate

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is a brand-new astronomical facility currently under construction in Chile, with headquarters based in Tucson, Arizona. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory will undertake the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) which will be the largest and most comprehensive astronomy survey of its kind. Rubin Observatory will enable countless discoveries in almost every area of modern astronomical research-discoveries made possible by the team that built the Rubin Observatory system, and by the global science community that Rubin Observatory serves.

General Description of Position:
The SWIFT Postdoctoral Scholar will be stationed at UC Davis, with funding for two years and the potential for a third-year extension. Travel to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, NOIRLab, the University of Washington is required, and travel to Chile is possible. The scholar’s primary goal is to maximize the science yield of the Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) from transient science programs, with a focus on mitigating the impacts of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. This role involves conducting both software and lab hardware simulations to model satellite trails, flares, and glints, along with data analysis to minimize systematic errors on LSST’s transient and Solar System science programs. The scholar will collaborate with LSST scientists and engineers, the LSSTCam team, and LEOsat operators, under the guidance of Prof. Anthony Tyson (UC Davis).

Using tools like Lumos-Sat for Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) fitting, the scholar will analyze brightness predictions and employ SatChecker to evaluate and mitigate satellite streak effects on key LSST observational programs. Laboratory work with the UC Davis LSST Beam Simulator is required.

Essential Functions:

• Scientific Research: Conduct research investigations in collaboration with the scientific team, focusing on LEO satellite impacts on transient science programs.
• Collaboration: Engage with LSST scientists, engineers, and LEOsat operators.
• Software Utilization: Apply Lumos-Sat for BRDF fitting and LSST camera software with the UC Davis f/1.2 LSST Beam Simulator.
• Systematic Error Analysis: Use SatChecker to quantify and mitigate systematic errors in LSST data. Lab experiments on LSST CCDs to quantify sensitivity of LEOsat images and quantify errors. 
• Writing and Presentation: Prepare scientific papers, attend conferences, and present research findings.
• Compliance and Stewardship: Ensure compliance with government awards and responsibly manage AURA property.

Other Functions:

• Develop new lab tests of LEO satellite effects on LSST CCDs. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• D. in Astronomy or a closely related physical science.
• Advanced proficiency in Python, experience with LSST data at the US Data Facility at SLAC, and familiarity with Lumos-Sat and LSST camera software used with the US Davis lab LSST Beam Simulator. 

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Publications on mitigating LEOsat-induced systematics in LSST data, and knowledge of optics and analog/digital CCD camera electronics.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk; or hear.  
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.  
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines. 
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately 
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.  

Salary Range: $65,000 - $72,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience. 

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by January 17, 2025.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.  
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.  
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).  

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org  

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.  

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.