Research Assistant In Astrophysics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

The Department of Astronomy has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 3 position to join their team. Two positions available.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory Alert Production group within the Data Intensive Research in Astrophysics and Cosmology (DIRAC) Institute at the University of Washington invites applications for a research scientist to join us in Seattle to develop and operate its real-time astronomical data-processing pipelines. This position is based in Seattle, WA.

About this Opportunity

The Rubin Observatory has begun observations and will soon undertake a decade-long astronomical survey, the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST; http://lsst.org). It will observe half the sky every three nights, detect seven million transient events nightly, and generate more than 6 petabytes of data per year. Its catalogs will include data for about 40 billion objects. The University of Washington is leading the development and operations of the software pipelines that will analyze LSST's images in near-real time, detect millions of transient, variable and moving objects - and alert the world about them.

We are looking for a research scientist to work within the Alert Production team and across the wider Rubin Data Management project. In this position you will help develop and operate important elements of the LSST data processing algorithms and software (including work on image differencing, coadded image template generation, object classification, and alert streaming). Twenty percent of your time will be available for original research.

Key Responsibilities

Algorithm and Software Development (40%):

• Develop, implement, and test elements of the LSST data processing algorithms and software pipelines, with an emphasis on scientific rigor and computational performance.

• Work may include image differencing, coadded image template generation, object association and classification, and alert streaming infrastructure.

• Contribute to the full development lifecycle, including algorithm and software design, code review, testing, and maintenance, following modern software engineering best practices such as version control, continuous integration, and peer review.

• Primary development will be in Python, with performance-critical components implemented in C++ or Rust.

Data Analysis in Support of LSST Operations (25%):

• Evaluate the scientific data quality of LSST data products as processed by the developed pipelines, ensuring that outputs meet observatory requirements.

• Explore large-scale datasets to identify systematic issues, develop quantitative metrics to characterize pipeline performance, and diagnose the root causes of data quality problems.

• Propose and implement mitigations in collaboration with pipeline developers and members of the science community.

Documentation and Reporting (15%):

• Communicate the results of algorithm development and data analysis activities through technical notes, peer-reviewed journal papers, and presentations.

• Report results to both internal project stakeholders and the broader astronomical community.

• Maintain clear and thorough documentation of software, methods, and findings.

• Participate in planning meetings to coordinate work activities and track progress.

Personally-directed research (20%):

• Lead or collaborate on independent scientific research topics making use of Rubin Observatory data.

• Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, or related field

• Four years of experience developing Python and/or C++ algorithms and software in an astronomical context

• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• PhD in astronomy, physics, computer science, or a related field.

• Prior experience with large astronomical survey data and/or software.

• Experience with collaborative software development using Git and GitHub.

• Commitment to writing clear documentation and software tests; familiarity with continuous integration.

• Enthusiasm for contributing to science projects enabled by early LSST data in DiRAC research areas (https://dirac.astro.washington.edu/research/).

Visa Sponsorship

• This recruitment is open to applicants who will require employer sponsorship for an H-1B or E-3 visa.

About the Team

The Rubin Observatory is an international collaboration with headquarters in Tucson, AZ. The Rubin Observatory Data Management team is composed of approximately 100 people, with 12 based at the University of Washington. The open-source codebase is available at https://github.com/lsst, and the developer guide is maintained at https://developer.lsst.io.

The Institute for Data-intensive Research in Astrophysics and Cosmology (DiRAC; http://dirac.astro.washington.edu) is a center within the Astronomy Department at the University of Washington. Its mission is to build the world's most advanced datasets, algorithms, and tools to explore and understand the universe. The Institute comprises six faculty and senior fellows and over 30 postdoctoral researchers, research scientists, software engineers, and graduate students. We strive to be an inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative community. We especially encourage individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM to apply.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to learn more about DiRAC research areas at https://dirac.astro.washington.edu/research/.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

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About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.