Research Associate - Mellon College of Science - Physics Department

Research Associate - Mellon College of Science - Physics Department

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world's most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn't imagine the future, we invent it.

The Mellon College of Science (MCS) is home to four departments and many programs and research centers that cross disciplines. We approach scientific problems from fresh angles using creative interdisciplinary approaches while drawing on our departmental strengths in the core sciences.

Our Physics Department is seeking a Research Associate to use Dark Energy Camera, Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument and/or Rubin Observatory data to identify possible multi-messenger sources and new transients with AI methods. This position is primarily based on data analysis, but an observational component may be included depending on results and telescope time availability.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct research in time domain astrophysics in Prof. Palmese's lab
• Attend and present results in Prof. Palmese's lab group meetings and other relevant meetings with the group's collaborators
• Participate in and help organize activities within the McWilliams Center for Cosmology and Astrophysics
• Identifies problems and obstacles to progress; develops strategies to solve problems.
• Participate in and help organize activities within the McWilliams Center for Cosmology and Astrophysics
• Summarizes statistical information for analysis, examination or presentation; writes technical reports. May build and validate quantitative models.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Minimum 1 year of research experience in observational time domain astrophysics related to gravitational wave data and/or optical astronomical transients.
• Experience with applications of AI tools to astronomical data or AI college courses.
• Strong analytical, communication, problem-solving, and reasoning skills.
• A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check

Additional Information: Typical Work Schedule: Required to work normal business hours; night and weekend work may occasionally be required where needed for observing campaigns.