The research would focus on development of software for the Schmidt Observatory System. Specifically, we are seeking those interested in work on machine learning, participating in our analysis of ground-based telescope and gravitational-wave data to study multi-messenger, transient objects by building machine learning pipelines in coordination with frontend Javascript/React.js interfaces.

Position Description for 9791
Sushant Sharma Chaudhary - Researcher 5

Job Description
50% - Research and technical leadership in gravitational-wave and optical time-domain data infrastructure
• Lead design and implementation of major components of the real-time alert broker (BOOM / SOSB) processing up to ~100 million alerts per night from wide-field surveys (ZTF, LSST, Argus).
• Develop algorithms for low-latency multi-messenger searches combining gravitational-wave, gamma-ray-burst, fast-radio-burst, and optical detections.
• Make independent technical and architectural decisions within the assigned workstream.

20% - Grant proposal development and research funding
• Contribute substantively to grant proposals as PI or co-PI, including scoping, budgets, and deliverables.
• Manage or contribute to management of workstream budgets and effort allocation.

20% - Mentorship and supervision
• Supervise and mentor graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate researchers.
• Lead technical onboarding for new team members joining the broker or gravitational-wave workstreams.

5% - External collaboration and community interface
• Coordinate with observatory teams (Argus, DSA, Lazuli), external institutions (Caltech, UC-Berkeley, IJCLab), and multi-messenger consortia (LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA, GCN, SCIMMA).

5% - Independent research and scholarship
• Author peer-reviewed publications and lead literature reviews for major research initiatives.
• Contribute to strategic planning and long-term research direction for the group.
Other duties of a similar scope as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
• PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or Astronomy with 1 or more years of research experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated skills (or ability to learn quickly) in programming (especially Python and Rust), data science, machine learning, and statistics.
• Previous experience analyzing gravitational-wave, optical time-domain, or other large astronomical data sets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration skills and desire to learn new computing platforms.

About the Department

School of Physics and Astronomy: https://cse.umn.edu/physics

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: 72,435.33 - $90,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

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 or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].