Post-Doctoral Associate; Scarlata

Job Details

Job

Location:

Twin Cities
Full-Time, Regular, Academic

We seek a postdoctoral researcher to support infrastructure for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's Galaxy Redshift Survey (GRS) team. The appointment will focus on simulations and analysis that underpin the survey: end-to-end grism simulations and realistic mock catalogs; modeling and optimization of the observing program; studies to model and mitigate observational systematics; and delivery of high-level products. These efforts enable robust BAO and RSD measurements from Roman GRS data and provide value-added catalogs and documentation for community use.

The research associate will be supervised by Claudia Scarlata, faculty member in Physics and Astronomy, and member of the GRS-PIT. The successful applicant will work closely with PIT team members at IPAC (Caltech) and mentor graduate students. The position is grant‑funded for two years with possibility of continued funding if further grants are successful.

50% – Support work with Roman simulations and preparation of value-added catalogs and documentation.

30% – Astrophysics Research: carry out a research program related to Roman. Communicate results via academic publication in appropriate journals. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students who are tasked with developing, implementing and analyzing some aspects of the program.

20% – Communication, dissemination, service and professional development:
Take the initiative to keep all project stakeholders informed of progress or concerns. Assist the wider grant effort by participating in PIT team by contributing to key service tasks such as general project review, and participation in relevant working groups. Take a leadership role in wider PIT team meetings and discussions on strategy and development. Represent the PIT team at meetings and conferences as required.

Contribute as appropriate to project reports to granting agency.

Other duties of a similar scope as assigned.

H‑1B sponsorship may be provided to those who currently hold a valid visa and are present in the United States. Updated on October 28, 2025.

Required:

• Ph.D. in a relevant subject (Physics or Astronomy).
• Demonstrated experience with a set of tools appropriate for large‑scale data science, including machine learning.
• Leadership experience organizing or coordinating groups toward a common objective.
• Strong publication record in relevant academic fields.
• Ability to mentor students and work in a diverse, distributed interdisciplinary team.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with machine learning in astrophysical research.
• Interest in citizen science.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, excellent organizational, presentation and writing skills.
• Demonstrated self‑motivation and creativity.
• Will travel to Pasadena for collaboration.

Pay Range: $65,000 – $70,000 (depending on education/qualifications/experience)

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please include the following in your application materials:
Cover letter, Curriculum vitae, Brief description of research interests (one to two pages), Reference list with contact information.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ or…