Research Scientist in the Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology

Details

Title Research Scientist in the Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology

School Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area Physics

Position Description

The Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology ( LPPC ) at Harvard University invites applications for a Research Scientist to contribute to the data reduction pipeline for data from the Rubin Observatory.

The Research Scientist will be expected to work within the framework of the Rubin Data Management (DM) team to make substantive contributions to the ongoing development of image processing tools and techniques. Our group is particularly interested in using AI methods to accelerate progress in these areas. Candidates will be encouraged to use 20% of their time to pursue other topics of interest to them.

This position is expected to start in the Spring of 2027 and is for a five-year term. Reappointment is possible based on performance and funding.

Applicants should submit i) a cover letter, ii) a curriculum vitae listing no more than 6 publications, iii) a one-page description of the importance of the selected papers, iv) a statement of research interests, and v) names and email addresses for 3 professional references. Applications received by Nov. 30, 2026, will receive full consideration. We will accept applications after that date if the position has not been filled.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants for this position must have a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy, and at least 8 years of post-PhD experience. Extensive demonstrated experience with the image processing methods of optical astronomy as applied to Rubin images is required, as well as a documented record of successful contributions to the Rubin data management (DM) pipeline. Extensive experience with agentic AI tools is also required.

Additional Qualifications

Membership in the Dark Energy Science Collaboration ( DESC ) is a plus.

Special Instructions

Applicants should submit i) a cover letter, ii) a curriculum vitae listing no more than 6 publications, iii) a one-page description of the importance of the selected papers, iv) a statement of research interests, and v) names and email addresses for 3 professional references. Applications received by Nov. 30, 2026, will receive full consideration. We will accept applications after that date if the position has not been filled.

Please ensure that no more than 6 publications are listed on your CV. Reference letters will be solicited for short-listed candidates. Disclose any use of AI in the preparation of your application materials.

Contact Information

Christopher Stubbs

Department of Physics

Harvard University

17 Oxford Street

Cambridge MA 02138 USA

Contact Email [email protected]

Salary Range

$100,000 – $110,000. Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.

Minimum Number of References Required 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed 5

Keywords

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

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Supplemental Questions