Job Details

Postdoctoral Employee - Physics/Astrophysics - Physics Department

Saul Perlmutter is Professor of Physics at UC Berkeley and Senior Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), where he is the leader of the international Supernova Cosmology Project, among other initiatives. This position will work with research scientists, engineers, and data scientists and other scholars within his academic and research communities.

We are seeking one or more applicants to develop forward modeling software and a characterization and calibration plan for a new space-based astronomical image slicing spectrograph. The goal is to create and apply a 'digital twin' of the as-built system to simulate and optimize its performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing forward modeling software to simulate the spectrograph's behavior.
• Designing and executing a characterization and calibration plan for the instrument.
• Collaborating on the creation of a digital twin to mirror the physical system's performance.

Basic qualifications (required at the time of application):

PhD or equivalent international degree, or enrolled in a PhD or equivalent international degree granting program.

Additional qualifications (required at the time of start):

• PhD or equivalent international degree.

Preferred qualifications:

• PhD in physics or astrophysics field.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python) for scientific computing and simulation.
• Familiarity with machine learning (ML) techniques for optimizing models or analyzing complex datasets.
• Experience with space-based instrumentation or similar high-precision systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: 1) Optical modeling: Ray-trace optics, diffractive optics, and stray light analysis. 2) Thermal analysis: Thermal emission modeling and its impact on instrument performance. 3) Detector systems: Characterization and modeling of HxRG detector readout schemes and analysis protocols. 4) Data analysis: Experience with instrumentation data analysis software and algorithms.

Application requirements:

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Examples of relevant work

Reference requirements:

• 3 required (contact information only)

About UC Berkeley:

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy. These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Job location: Berkeley, CA