Post-Doctoral Associate - LIGO (Coughlin) - Military Veterans

Job Description
Based on a joint NSF-DFG research project, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Potsdam invite applications to fill up to two postdoctoral positions. The positions are connected to the research groups of Prof. Michael Coughlin in Minnesota and Prof. Tim Dietrich in Potsdam. Applicants should indicate if they prefer to work in Potsdam or Minnesota or if they want their application considered for both places. The research project will focus on the development of searches and low-latency data products for gravitational waves with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO). Specifically, we are seeking those interested in work participating in our analysis of gravitational-wave data in support of electromagnetic counterpart searches to study multi-messenger transient objects with low-latency pipelines.

We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or another applicable discipline related to the research outlined above. The candidate must have programming knowledge (especially python), and, ideally also, experience in data science, machine learning, or statistics. Strong written and verbal communication skills, collaboration skills, and the desire to learn new computing platforms are mandatory.

The deadline for full consideration is November 1, 2024, including reception of reference letters. The start date of the positions is negotiable. For the application, you will be asked to upload a single PDF containing a cover letter, your curriculum vitae, your list of publications, and a (up to 3-page) statement of past and future research activities. Applicants will need to indicate the names of three referees for recommendation letters. Referees will receive an email with instructions on how to upload their letters.

Job Duties
50%: Research in the development and application of machine learning (ML), AI, and data science algorithms for physics research projects and applications and interfaces for ML and AI algorithms in physics analysis code.
20% Supervision of graduate students, technicians, and undergraduates participating in this research
20%: Communicate and coordinate with other personnel involved in the research, including those from non-computing disciplines.
10%: Research in a related discipline of interest to the post-doctoral fellow.
Other duties of a similar scope as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or another applicable discipline

Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in time-domain astronomy and data science algorithms