Postdoctoral Fellow in the Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard University

The Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology (LPPC) at Harvard University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to be associated with the calibration, optimization, and exploitation of data from the Rubin Observatory.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to contribute to addressing forefront open questions in fundamental physics, through some combination of i) advancing the state of the art in precise flux calibration, i.e. correcting for astrophysical extinction, atmospheric transmission, and instrumental sensitivity vs. wavelength, ii) improving the delivered image quality of the Rubin system, and iii) enhancing data analysis methods, in particular using type Ia supernovae to probe the nature of dark energy. 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 begin in August 2027. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of annual renewal, contingent upon satisfactory performance, continued funding, research needs, and required approvals.

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 November 30, 2026, will receive full consideration. Three letters of recommendation must also be received by November 30, 2026. We will accept applications after that date if the position has not been filled.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy by the appointment start date. Experience with the methods of optical astronomy as applied to forefront question in physics is required, and experience with AI tools is highly desirable.

Demonstrated competence with AI tools as applied to observational astrophysics is a plus. Experience with Rubin Observatory data and existing membership in the Dark Energy Science Collaboration (DESC) are both positive factors.

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 November 30, 2026, will receive full consideration. Three letters of recommendation must also be received by November 30, 2026. 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.

Christopher Stubbs
Department of Physics
Harvard University
17 Oxford Street
Cambridge MA 02138 USA

$70,000 – $85,000. 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.