Postdoctoral Position at the Kavli Institute of Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory with a focus on cosmology using millimeter-wave line intensity mapping (LIM)

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position at the Kavli Institute of Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory with a focus on cosmology using millimeter-wave line intensity mapping (LIM).

We are developing LIM as a new technique to probe the large-scale structure of the universe at high redshifts. As a lead institution in the SPT-SLIM collaboration—a pathfinder for LIM using on-chip spectrometers—our group is involved in all aspects of the experiment. We seek candidates interested in any of the following areas:

• Design and fabrication of superconducting spectrometer arrays, including R&D on new materials and spectrometer architectures in the Stanford Nanofabrication Facility.
• Characterization of spectrometer arrays, and operations and deployment of SPT-SLIM to the South Pole.
• Pipeline development and analysis of LIM data to constrain cosmology and astrophysics, including testing foreground and signal separation techniques.
• Developing the science case, instrument concept, and analysis techniques for future LIM experiments.

Previous experience in mm-wave instrumentation, thin-film superconducting device fabrication, or LIM/CMB analysis is desirable but not required. In addition to the international SPT-SLIM team, successful candidates will also have the opportunity to interact with KIPAC/SLAC scientists working on CMB (BICEP, SO, CMB-S4) and galaxy surveys (Rubin/LSST). 

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy prior to starting the appointment. We expect to fill this position no later than Summer/Fall 2024. The position offers excellent benefits (https://postdocbenefits.stanford.edu) and salary, and the appointment will be made for a term of three years.

Applicants should apply at the AJO site for KIPAC Postdoctoral Fellowships (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25538), and indicate an interest in the LIM position in the checkbox when they apply. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 3, 2023 (midnight Eastern Time). 

For further information regarding the positions, please contact Dr. Kirit Karkare ([email protected]). 

Stanford University and SLAC are affirmative action and equal opportunity employers, committed to increasing the diversity of their workforces. We encourage applications from candidates from groups that are underrepresented in astrophysics and cosmology or who will bring additional dimensions to Stanford and SLAC’s research and educational missions.