CosmicAI Post Doctoral Research Associate at NSF NOIRLab

Cosmic

AI Post Doctoral Research Associate at NSF NOIRLab

Join the National Science Foundation (NSF)-Simons Cosmic

AI Institute as a postdoctoral fellow to conduct research on active galactic nuclei and their host galaxies. Based at NSF NOIRLab, you will contribute to multi‑wavelength data curation and analysis, and collaborate with Cosmic

AI researchers to accelerate the application of cutting‑edge AI tools and methodologies.

The Cosmic

AI NOIRLab postdoctoral fellow will lead a project on the analysis of data spanning photometry, images, and spectra from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) and model predictions to decipher evolutionary trends of active galactic nuclei and/or their host galaxies. This work will be carried out in close collaboration with Cosmic

AI team members Stéphanie Juneau (NOIRLab), Robert Nikutta (NOIRLab), and Adam Bolton (SLAC National Lab). Fellows have full access to Institute facilities and equipment, including world‑class computational resources at the Texas Advanced Computing Center.

Cosmic

AI fellows at NSF NOIRLab will spend 50% of their time on institute‑related research efforts (e.g., data curation, evaluation, example research workflows), with the remaining 50% available for independent research. The appointment is awarded initially for a two‑year period, renewable for a third year subject to performance and funding.

• You have a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience with modern machine learning / deep learning techniques and software packages.
• Established record of independent research.
• Research expertise in extragalactic astronomy such as active galactic nuclei and/or their host galaxies.
• Committed to broadly sharing scientific findings and software development with the astronomy community.
• Proficiency working with a geographically distributed, multi‑disciplinary team.

• Previous experience with multi‑wavelength astronomical data curation and data analysis.
• Experience with spectroscopic data and very large datasets.
• Experience with high‑performance or high‑throughput computing (HPC/HTC).

• Excellent communication skills, including presentations and scientific writing.

This position involves access to materials subject to U.S. export control laws, including ITAR and/or EAR. Only U.S. persons are eligible. Applicants must be eligible to access export‑controlled technology as defined by U.S. law.

Flexible, preferably onsite or hybrid in the Tucson, AZ office. Remote options may be considered for candidates in states where AURA is registered as an employer.

This position operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others.

• Must remain in a stationary position ≥50% of the time.
• Occasional need to move about inside the office.
• Constantly operates a computer and other productivity tools.
• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Constant communication with others.
• Travel may be necessary in or outside the United States.
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (6,800–14,000 ft).

This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity and includes reasonable accommodations for disabled applicants and employees.

$50,000 – $73,000 annually. Final salary depends on skills, qualification, and experience.

AURA offers an attractive benefits package including paid time off and retirement contributions.

• Cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, how your skills match the qualifications, and your scientific interests in time‑domain astronomy.
• Curriculum Vitae & Publication List.
• Summary of past research and technical experience (max 3 pages).
• A list of three references with full contact information.

Apply by Friday, December 5, 2025 for priority consideration. The position will remain open until filled. PDF files preferred. Name any attachments with the format:
Last Name Doc Name.
Individuals needing assistance can request help at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

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